Chemiluminescent hybridization assay for hepatitis delta virus RNA in serum.

A nonradioactive hybridization assay for the detection of hepatitis delta virus RNA in serum is described. This assay utilizes a digoxigenin-labeled RNA hybridization probe and chemiluminescent immunodetection. The probe can detect as little as 0.4 pg of cDNA with a 60-min exposure. Results obtained are in agreement with serological indicators of hepatitis delta virus infection and are comparable to those obtained by hybridization assays employing radioactively labeled RNA.