DETECTION AND DISCRIMINATION OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS, HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS TYPE-1 AND HEPATITIS B VIRUS

摘要

The present disclosure provides isolated nucleic acid primers and probes that can be used to detect hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-I), or combinations thereof (for example simultaneously), in a biological sample. In particular examples, the disclosed methods can discriminate 3-10 genomic equivalents (gEq) of HBV, 10-20 gEq of HCV, and 20 gEq of HIV-I. Also provided are arrays that include the viral-specific probes, as well as kits that include the isolated nucleic acid primers, probes, arrays, or combinations thereof. The method and arrays can be used for example, for diagnosis of these viruses in clinics and in high-risk groups, as discriminatory confirmation assay in screening of blood donors, and in research laboratories.