Oligonucleotides for discriminating related nucleic acid sequences

摘要

An in vitro selection method is described which identifies oligonucleotide probes that discriminate amongst closely related nucleic acid sequences and which involves iterative hybridizations, including subtractive hybridization. Using the method, oligonucleotides are identified which can discriminate among human papilloma virus (HPV) subtypes. Corresponding methods and kits for the detection of nucleic acids are described, which methods and kits may be used in analytical, diagnostic, research and related applications.