The detection of coxsackievirus RNA in cardiac tissue by in situ hybridization.

A cloned cDNA probe derived from coxsackie B4 virus-infected cell RNA was shown to hybridize to the RNA of a number of different enteroviruses including coxsackie A and B viruses, echoviruses and poliovirus. The probe was used to detect virus-specific RNA sequences in cardiac tissue obtained from patients diagnosed as having a coxsackievirus infection. Virus RNA was detected using the technique of in situ hybridization in 46% (6/13) cases, but none was found in normal, control, cardiac samples. Two distinct patterns of infection were observed. The significance of these differences and the possible uses of the technique are discussed.