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Nucleic acid hybridization is extremely important in viral hepatitis research and the newly emerging techniques are now becoming an indispensable resource also in the diagnostic laboratory. This paper provides information on methods currently used for detection of viral nucleic acids with special emphasis on the importance of hepatitis B virus DNA in the serum. Herein, we describe the procedures for preparation and labeling of DNA probes and the principles that regulate dot, slot and Southern blot hybridization. Advantages and shortcomings of filter hybridization are discussed together with the alternative approaches to it. Finally, a collection of laboratory protocols is presented in Appendix #1.

In recent years molecular biology techniques allowed an extraordinary progress in knowledge of hepatitis viruses. New informations have accumulated on the mechanisms of virus replication and on the pathogenesis of liver damage. In the clinical setting, simple noninvasive methods that use the same technological approach provide a useful diagnostic tool for infections of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV). Using these tests we may define whether a carrier of hepatitis B surface antigen has a liver damage due to HBV or HDV or to other, non-virological causes. Detection of HBV-DNA and HDV-RNA in serum and liver can also be used as a guide for prognosis and therapy.