The preparation of a biotin-labeled HDV cDNA probe and its application to spot hybridization
Zhou, S.L.; Zhao, L.S.; Liu, L.; Xiong, H.C.; Liu, B.L.
Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 19(2): 109-111
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0257-7712 PMID: 3198088 Document Number: 316488
The procedures of efficiently preparing biotin-labeled HDV cDNA probe, which had been used for detecting HDV RNA (hepatitis delta virus RNA) from serum, were described. Using the probe, the minimal amount (50 pg) of HDV RNA could be detected by spot hybridization. Twenty serum samples were collected from the hepatitis patients, who were positive for IgG type antibody to HDV (IgG-anti HD) in the sera or positive for HDV antigen in the liver tissue for the test. Although the sera had been stored for 1-2 years, frozen and thawed repeatedly, HDV RNA were still detected from the sera of five patients with chronic active hepatitis. Of the five samples, three were positive for IgG-anti HD. The fact that HDV RNA could still actively replicate even though IgG-anti HD had appeared in the sera suggested that it might be not true. The IgG-anti HD was protective antibody. This result is of significance for clinical as well as epidemiological studies.