Background: Among many serologic and molecular methods, direct detection of HBV DNA in serum appears to be the most reliable method for monitoring HBV infection and assessing the response to anti-viral treatment. Generally, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with high sensitivity and hybridization analysis with quantification are available for detecting the presence of HBV DNA in serum. In this study, we compared Digene Hybrid Capture™ HBV DNA assay with in-house PCR assay.

Methods: We performed in-house nested PCR in 44 patients with negative results and 16 patients with weakly positive results (≤17 pg/mL) by Digene Hybrid Capture™ HBV DNA assay.

Results: Of the 44 negative patients of Digene Hybrid Capture™ HBV DNA assay, 26 (59.1%) were positive and 18 (40.9%) were negative for PCR. Of the 16 Digene Hybrid Capture™ HBV DNA assay weak positive patients, all (100%) were positive for PCR.

Conclusions: Although the hybridization method is less sensitive than the PCR, it is considered to be a standard procedure and quantitative method. So, if combined with PCR, the hybridization method will be useful for monitoring HBV infection and assessing the response to anti-viral treatment. (Korean J Clin Microbiol 2000;3:132-136)