Rapid, high-throughput extraction of bacterial genomic DNA from selective-enrichment culture media

Aims: To create a fast, sensitive and inexpensive high-throughput method for the extraction of bacterial genomic DNA from selective-enrichment culture media. Methods and Results: Lysis of bacteria was achieved using guanidinium isothiocyanate, and DNA was extracted using 96-well glass microfibre filtration plates. Extraction-PCR detected the presence of 1 cfu Yersinia ruckeri and 16 cfu Lactococcus garvieae 200 μl-1 sample of selective-enrichment medium. Conclusions: An efficient method for high-throughput extraction of bacterial genomic DNA from selective-enrichment culture media was achieved. Significance and Impact of the Study: This method enables detection of covert bacterial infections in fish. The simultaneous extraction of large numbers of samples allows for its use in bacterial monitoring programmes and quarantine.