[The use of a biotinated probe for the detection of the genomic RNA of the hepatitis A virus in clinical specimens].

A detection technique for hepatitis A virus (HAV) RNA by means of molecular hybridization using ss-biotinated DNA probe on the basis of M13 bacteriophage is described. The technique sensitivity reached 1-10 pg of control DNA or 100-500 pg of HAV. The experiments for detection of HAV carriers among the patients and contacts from foci of HAV outbreaks were carried out. A comparative analysis of the above technique and enzyme immunoassay and amplification technique was done and good coincidence of the results was demonstrated.