Polymerase chain reaction-based assays have been developed to amplify DNA of fungal pathogens for
detection, identification and classification of fungi as culture-based methods show low sensitivity and
specificity. However, achieving a sensitive, specific, and reliable PCR-based assay depends on the availability
of qualitative DNA. A Simple and easy-to-perform DNA extraction protocol is essential. In this study, three
methods of DNA extraction were evaluated and compared in relation to their ability in the extraction of DNA
from fungal isolates in our laboratory. Qualitative (Purity) and quantitative evaluation of the extracted DNA
was based on spectrophotometric and electrophoretic techniques respectively. The results obtained from this
study indicated that, the Modified boiling (Tween 20) method was the most effective in obtaining fungal DNA
of high quality and quantity as compared to that of Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) and Sodium
Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) methods. Thus, we recommended the use of the modified boiling method (Tween 20)
for the extraction of genomic DNA from fungal isolates.
Key words: DNA extraction, Fungi, SDS, CTAB, Boiling method
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