Detection of hepatitis B virus DNA in serum by a rapid filtration-hybridization assay

A simple method for detecting hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) in serum using a filtration step for spotting sera on nitrocellulose paper followed by molecular hybridization is described. This method is rapid, sensitive, requires very small quantities of serum, and can be used for simultaneous testing of up to 96 samples in one filter apparatus. The sera tested for HBV DNA were also assayed for serological markers of HBV infection and comparison of data shows that on average 67% (30 of 45) of HBsAg- and HbeAg-positive sera contain HBV DNA, whereas 13% of HBsAg- and anti-HBe-positive sera contain HBV DNA. In general, there was a statistically significant correlation between the concentration of HBsAg in the serum and the presence or absence of HBV DNA. These results indicate that molecular hybridization is a valuable assay in addition to serological markers for identifying the possible infectivity of sera, and the simple and rapid method reported here makes the use of such hybridization technique easier.