Abstract
Summary Detection of HBV DNA by molecular hybridization in serum has been simplified by the use of a non-radioactive reporter molecule (a biotinylated nucleotide) instead of the conventional radioactive marker. A positive hybridization was rapidly visualized by incubation with a streptavidin/alkaline phosphatase conjugate followed by a coloured enzymatic reaction. The presence of HBV DNA was analysed in the sera of 45 patients with either a radioactive or biotinylated probe; 24 % of sera gave discordant results: they were positive only with the non-radioactive method. The great specificity of these two techniques was proven by the lack of positivity with HBsAg-and HBeAg negative sera. Moreover, no background was noticed with 1 y.g of human DNA or unrelated viral DNA. Quantitative comparison of the sensitivity of the two methods could not be achieved because of the low sensitivity of our radioactive protocol. However, results obtained with 143 sera confirmed the value of the non radioactive hybridization spot test when compared with serological markers of HBV infection. Using biotin, molecular hybridization — without loss of specificity — is easily realizable in any routine diagnostic laboratory.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
