Quantitative direct probe method for the detection of Parvovirus B19

Parvovirus B19 infection is associated with anemia and spontaneous abortion s. While many qualitative assays are available, a few molecular-based quant itative methods have been described. This study reports the development and optimization of a quantitative direct-probe method for the detection of Pa rvovirus B19 DNA. Different concentrations of RNA probes were used to ident ify the optimal conditions for hybridizing to the target DNA. Detection of DNA was linear between concentrations of 2 ng/ml to 200 pg/ml. Because this method requires no enzymatic amplification, it is not susceptible to ampli fier contamination or enzymatic inhibitors, and it can be applied to serum samples or paraffin-embedded tissue. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.