We describe a rapid, simple, and reliable procedure for routine isolation of
Mycobacterium leprae DNA from slit-skin swab specimens. This one-step DNA
extraction method is based on the utilization of ChelexR 100, a chelating ion
exchange resin. Slit-skin swab specimens from seven untreated leprosy patients at
Baba Baghi Leprosy Hospital in Iran were processed by this procedure. The
polymer...
