Detection of parvovirus DNA in human serum using biotinylated RNA hybridisation probes

Abstract Methods were established for the detection of parvovirus DNA in human serum using single-stranded RNA probes. The sensitivity of detection of virus using 32 P- radiolabelled RNA versus non-radiolabelled biotinylated RNA probes using a streptavidin-polyalkaline phosphatase detection system was compared. Virus was detected using 32 P-labelled and biotinylated RNA probes at serum dilutions of 10 −3 , equivalent to approx. 3 pg of viral DNA. Using biotinylated RNA probes and a dot-blot system, diagnosis of numerous serum samples could be performed within 8 h of receipt of samples, using an RNA probe which was synthesised and stored at −20°C for up to 12 months without loss of sensitivity. Our work demonstrates the potential of biotinylated RNA probes in the routine analysis of viral sequences in serum.