Abstract: The sensitivity and reliability (robustness) of CMV mRNA detection is greatly dependent on the selection of suitable oligonucleotides for amplification, since there is sequence variation among strains of CMV potentially in every region of the genome. The present invention is concerned with oligonucleotides that can be used in the amplification and detection of human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) mRNA. These novel oligonucleotides show an improved sensitivity and robustness of CMV mRNA detection if compared with known sequences when used in amplification and detection. Furthermore a method for the diagnosis of HCMV disease is provided.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a method for determining the integrity of nucleic acid isolated from a specimen of eukaryotic origin comprising subjecting the specimen to nucleic acid isolation followed by amplification using a pair of oligonucleotide primers in a manner known per se, said primers being capable of amplifying nucleic acid specific for RNA encoding a product of a housekeeping gene, said RNA being low abundance RNA, said gene being present in all cell types of a eukaryotic species, and said method further comprising determining whether amplification of the nucleic acid specific for the RNA has occurred. In particular, the method comprises amplifying mRNA. Optionally, the method can also comprise quantifying the amplification product. As this method is of particular relevance for diagnosis of diseases in humans, the eukaryotic species is preferably a human being.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA encoding the human U.sub.1 -snRNP-A protein antigen, wherein said protein antigen is reactive towards an auto-antibody which is associated with an auto-immune disease, and the use of this protein in diagnostic tests relating to auto-immune diseases.