DETECTION OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS RNA

摘要

The present invention is concerned with a method for monitoring anti-viral therapy wherein HBV RNA is detected and oligonucleotides that can be used in the detection of Hepatitis B RNA. Today's tools for the monitoring of anti HBV therapy are either based on immunologic markers or the detection of the HBV DNA in virus particles. However, the latest therapies are more and more targeting the viral polymerase and therefore these therapies directly affect the replication of the virus. Consequently, a need exists for tools that can be used to monitoring the efficacy of the treatment. Such monitoring tools should then actually directly measure the replication of the virus and immediately indicate the emergence of resistant virus strains. The present invention provides such a tool. It provides a method for detecting HBV RNA and it provides insight in how to interpret the results in order to predict the outcome of the therapy. A more efficient therapy can then be given to the patient concerned.