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. 1982 Sep;43(3):1055–1060. doi: 10.1128/jvi.43.3.1055-1060.1982

In situ hybridization: general infectivity assay for retroviruses.

A Rein, N Rice, S Simek, M Cohen, R J Mural
PMCID: PMC256217  PMID: 6292448

Abstract

We have devised a general infectivity assay for retroviruses. A virus-specific [32P]DNA probe is hybridized in situ to a monolayer culture, and foci of infected cells in the monolayer are detected by exposure of the hybridized culture to X-ray films. The method is quantitative, in that it gives the same titer for Moloney murine leukemia virus as does the standard UV-XC test. The specificity of the assay is indicated by the fact that murine leukemia virus and baboon endogenous virus do not cross hybridize under the conditions used. The assay is completed within 1 to 3 weeks and should be broadly applicable for retroviruses which replicate without altering cellular morphology: its use is demonstrated with mouse mammary tumor virus and the helper virus of the reticuloendotheliosis complex.

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Selected References

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