Detection of human parvovirus using a molecularly cloned probe.

Half of the genomic DNA of the human parvovirus (B19) was cloned in the plasmid pBR322. The cloned DNA was used as a molecular probe for the detection of parvovirus in serum by means of a dot hybridization test. In an assay of 26 samples, the dot hybridization test was found to be of comparable sensitivity and to be as rapid as radioimmunoassay for viral antigen detection; it is potentially useful as a diagnostic test.