Detection of HBV DNA in serum using a PCR-based assay.

HBV DNA in viral particles in serum is covered by a coat of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) particles and a lipid coat with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in it. Removal of the HBcAg and the HBsAg with the lipid coat can be easily accomplished by treatment with a detergent or alkali. However, there are many inhibitors of the PCR reaction in the serum. Deproteinization removes most of these inhibitors and it forms the basis of the procedure being described and used by the author. Alternatively, PCR can also be performed from DNA extracted directly from serum.