Tissue-print hybridization using a non-radioactive probe for the detection of infectious bursal disease virus

Tissue-print hybridization was evaluated as a simplified means for detection of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) in the bursa of Fabricius from infected chickens. The assay employed a biotin-labeled synthetic oligonucleotide as a probe. The bound probe was detected using a color assay consisting of streptavidin conjugated to alkaline phosphatase. Bursae were imprinted onto nitrocellulose and then hybridized with the biotinylated probe. Bursal prints from IBDV-infected chickens were readily distinguished from control prints by color development and differences in signal intensity.