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Abstract

Title: PCR-probe capture hybridization assay and statistical model for SEN virus prevalence estimation.
Author: Tanaka Y, Pfeiffer R, Yeo AE, Mizokami M, Edlin BR, Castle P, O'Brien TR, Alter HJ, Shih JW
Journal: J Med Virol 73(1):123-130
Year: 2004
Month: May

Abstract: SEN viruses (SENV) are newly discovered blood-borne single-stranded circular DNA viruses that may play a role in liver disease. To date, no serologic assays are available for the detection of SENV antigens or antibodies. We report on a rapid and sensitive molecular assay for the detection of four SENV strains (SENV-A, -C, -D, -H). This method uses PCR with universal primers and microwell capture hybridization with type-specific probes. Cut-off points to define 'infected' based on chemiluminescence readings were determined from a statistical mixture model applied to samples from 300 injection drug users (IDUs) in San Francisco. Based on the estimated cut-off points, we examined the prevalence of SENV infection among 232 healthy US blood donors and assessed sensitivity and specificity of the assay in a small validation sample of infected individuals with partial sequence information.