Suitability of different tissue fixatives for subsequent PCR analysis of Cysticercus ovis

PCR amplification of specific DNA regions is a powerful tool for retrospective studies, but not all preservation or fixation methods render DNA that is suitable for subsequent amplification. Several factors affect sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. There were reported the effects of commonly used fixation solutions — 10 % neutral buffered formalin, 20 % neutral buffered formalin and Carnoy’s solution and the efficiency of PCR amplification in fresh tissue and paraffin (or wax) embedded samples of Cysticercus ovis. DNA from samples was isolated and PCR product of 1300 bp was amplified. Results indicated that the samples fixed in Carnoy’s solution produced reliable amplification of desired fragments. The samples that were fixed in 10 % and 20 % neutral buffered formalin brought negative results.