Hepatitis E virus RNA detection in serum and feces specimens with the use of microspin columns

This report describes the use of microspin columns for extraction of hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA from stool and serum specimens for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and compares this method with the glass powder method. The microspin column method was found to be 1- to 2-log more sensitive in detecting HEV RNA than the glass powder method and had better reproducibility. The microspin column method also detected HEV RNA in a larger number of specimens than the glass powder method from among a panel of serum and stool specimens. Use of this method may allow better assessment of viremia and fecal excretion in patients and experimental animals infected with HEV. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.