title: Serum HBV-DNA in anti-HBe positive patients detected by filter and liquid phase hybridization assays.
abstract: Serum HBV-DNA is considered the best parameter for monitoring HBV replication in the liver. The filter hybridization assay (spot test) with 32P-labelled HBV-DNA has been the technique more frequently used to date. A simple solution hybridization assay, in which 125I HBV-DNA is used as labelled probe, has been recently standardized. We have compared the performances of these two assays for the detection of HBV-DNA. The results were similar with the two methods: an agreement was found in 39/44 (89%) samples. Three sera were positive only by the spot assay-and two only by the liquid phase assay. However, in these cases, HBV-DNA levels were near the sensitivity limits of the assay. Therefore, the filter and the liquid phase assays can be considered to be suitable methods to monitor HBV replication, a fundamental index for the clinical assessment and prognosis of patients with HBsAg positive chronic hepatitis.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Medicina Clinica, Università di Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pontisso
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Ruvoletto
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fattovich
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chemello
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Morsica
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brollo
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Matteotti
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alberti
mesh_terms: D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D010761:Phosphorus Radioisotopes; D011865:Radioisotope Dilution Technique
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D010761:Phosphorus Radioisotopes