Detection of viral DNA by in situ hybridization using bromodeoxyuridine-labeled DNA probes

Detection of viral DNA in infected tissues is demonstrated by in situ nucleic acid hybridization employing bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd)-labeled probes. BrdUrd is used alternatively to biotinylated nucleotides in the preparation of DNA probes and, after hybridization, developed with a monoclonal anti-BrdUrd antibody and the alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase technique. The sensitivity using both BrdUrd- and biotin-labeled probes is similar. Furthermore, the simultaneous detection of viral coinfections will be possible by means of this technique in conjunction with biotin-labeled DNA probes.