METHOD FOR DETECTING A VIRUS

摘要

This invention provides a method for detecting a virus in a subject based upon obtaining a purified sample of the virus, transcription of the viral nucleic acid by the virus's nucleic acid polymerase, amplification of the nucleic acid transcripts and detection of the amplified transcripts. By performing the transcription of the viral nucleic acid in the presence of an agent which inhibits wild type viral nucleic acid polymerase, this invention also provides a method for detecting a mutant virus resistant to that agent. This invention also provides a method for identifying compounds which inhibit transcription by viral nucleic acid polymerase. This invention also provides a kit for detecting a virus in a cell-free liquid sample which contains a filtration device, primers, and optionally NTPs, controls, and an antiviral compound.