Molecular Detection of Hepatitis B Viruses (HBV)

Aims: HBV causes both acute and chronic infections and is transmitted through blood or other body fluids. The present study deals with the molecular detection of HBV using PCR.

Study Design: Confirmed positive samples of HBV were used to standardize the molecular diagnostic assay. DNA was extracted and used to standardize diagnostic PCR.

Place and Duration of Study: Centre for Biotechnology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India, between January 2015 and July 2015.

Methodology: Positive Samples were obtained from Department of Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi. DNA was extracted from these positive samples and used for standardization of conventional PCR reaction. The results were checked by gel electrophoresis.

Results: Positive samples of HBV were detected by standardize PCR. Both the samples showed strong band of 259 bp and there is no amplification in the negative control.

Conclusion: Rapid tests have low sensitivity and specificity while molecular assays are rapid, sensitive and specific. Conventional PCR is rapid, specific, sensitive and it is also less costly than Real-Time PCR. Cost of an assay is an important factor in controlling a disease in developing countries.