Process for lysing mycobacteria

摘要

A process for lysing Mycobacteria to liberate nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA comprises heating the Mycobacteria in an aqueous solution to lyse the Mycobacteria and release the nucleic acids, with the aqueous solution containing a chelating agent such as EDTA or EGTA in an amount effective to inhibit degradation of the released nucleic acids. Examples of Mycobacteria which can be lysed include Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. After lysis, the nucleic acid is preferably then amplified and detected. Kits useful for carrying out the present invention are also disclosed.