Molecular hybridization methods for determination of serum HBV-DNA

Summary

Molecular hybridization methods for determination of hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV-DNA) in serum were studied. A simple method by which serum was treated with sodium hydroxide, followed by dot hybridization procedure on filter sheets provides a sensitive and direct result for detecting HBV-DNA. Another method in which DNAs extracted from Dane particle fraction were subjected to the molecular hybridization method on a filter membrane, provided similar results although this method is time consuming. The third method in which serum was directly spotted on filter sheets, followed by alkalinetreatment seems to be less sensitive. Three filter papers, NC filter, Zeta-Probe and Biodyne, on which molecular hybridization was performed, gave similar sensitivity.