Molecular diagnostic techniques for viral hepatitis.

The five different viruses that cause human viral hepatitis, A, B, C, D, and E share the unique property of hepatotropism. Identification of the nucleic acid sequences of each of these viruses, coupled with the application of recombinant DNA technology, has resulted in the rapid development of molecular diagnostic techniques. Currently, molecular hybridization and polymerase chain reaction are the major diagnostic techniques for viral hepatitis. This review discusses the molecular biology of the five hepatitis viruses, the principles of molecular biological techniques, and their current and future diagnostic applications.