Polynucleotides for the detection and quantification of hepatitis B virus nucleic acids
The present invention provides polynucleotides that can specifically hybridise to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) nucleic acids from all genotypes. These polynucleotides can be used in genotype-independent detection and quantitation of HBV nucleic acids. For example, the polynucleotides can be used as primers and/or probes in amplification-based assays for either end-point detection or real-time monitoring of HBV nucleic acids in a test sample. The polynucleotides can additionally be provided as part of a kit for the detection and quantitation of HBV nucleic acids.
1. A composition comprising a forward primer and a reverse primer, wherein the forward primer consists of SEQ ID NO: 1 and the reverse primer consists of SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein the primers can be used to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV).
2. The composition of claim 1 further comprising an isolated nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 26 and SEQ ID NO: 28.
3. The composition of claim 1 further comprising an isolated nucleic acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 27.
4. A kit for the amplification of nucleic acid sequences comprising a forward primer and a reverse primer, wherein the forward primer consists of SEQ ID NO: 1 and the reverse primer consists of SEQ ID NO: 3, and wherein the primers can be used to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV).
5. A kit for the amplification of nucleic acid sequences of claim 4 further comprising an isolated nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 26 and SEQ ID NO: 28.
6. A kit for the amplification of nucleic acid sequences of claim 4 further comprising an isolated nucleic acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 27.
7. A method for detecting Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in a test sample suspected of containing or known to contain one or more target HBV nucleic acid sequences comprising:
a) contacting said test sample with the forward and reverse primers of claim 1 under hybridizing conditions;
b) amplifying nucleic acid sequence or sequences that may be present in the test sample; and
c) detecting the amplification of one or more target HBV nucleic acid sequences, wherein a positive detection of a target HBV nucleic acid sequence is indicative of the presence of HBV in the test sample.