Molecular hybridization methods for determination of serum HBV-DNA

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 alkaline-treatment seems to be less sensitive. Three filter papers, NC filter, Zeta-Probe and Biodyne, on which molecular hybridization was performed, gave similar sensitivity.