USE OF DIGOXIGENIN-LABELED RNA PROBE TO TEST HEPATITIS-A VIRUS ANTIVIRAL DRUGS

A nucleic acid hybridization assay was used to evaluate inhibitory act ivity of antiviral compounds against hepatitis A virus (HAV) in cell c ulture and compared to radioimmunoassay by analysis of variance proced ure. The 5'genomic end of the HM-175 strain was used as digoxigenin-la beled RNA probe. Dot-blot examination showed a reduction of detectable HAV RNA in infected cells when treated with amphotericin B. An antivi ral dose-effect was shown by statistical analysis of densitometric mea sures of hybridization signals. Comparison between molecular hybridiza tion assay and radioimmunoassay by analysis of variance procedure show ed the equivalence of both methods. Data previously obtained on select ed drugs by antigen and infectious titres determinations were confirme d by hybridization assay and make possible digoxigenin-labeled RNA pro be use to measure an antiviral dose-effect for screening of hepatitis A antiviral compounds.