Hi Samah,

Since ESBL genes are commonly found on plasmids of a bacteria, a plasmid DNA extraction is preferred to detect the genes. Also, by extracting the DNA from the plasmid, you are more likely to isolate the specific genes associated with ESBLs. You may proceed to molecular detection methods like PCR following the extraction to amplify the specific ESBL genes.

All the best, I hope it helps!

Ameer Hakeem Ahmad Nor

Thanks dr

Can you suggest me the best method to extract plasmid DNA from bacteria?

You may use an alkaline lysis method to extract the plasmid DNA from bacteria. You can measure its concentration and purity by using a Nanodrop spectrophotometer or by running an agarose gel electrophoresis to determine the sizes. Alternatively, you can also get kits that are commercially available should you need a faster, more precise and more standardised method of extracting the plasmid DNA of a bacteria.