Abstract: Compositions and methods for synthesizing and detecting HIV-2 specific amplicons. Particularly described are oligonucleotides that are useful as hybridization probes, and amplification primers that facilitate detection of very low levels of HIV-2 nucleic acids.

Abstract: Method of identifying microbial organisms wherein a biological sample containing nucleic acids is hybridized with a collection of polynucleotide probes, each probe having binding specificity for the ribosomal nucleic acids of at least one microbe. The collection of probes is organized into a series of “addresses” that provide information about the presence or absence of one or more polynucleotide sequences in the biological sample. Probes in the matrix are selected to distinguish between organisms that differ from each other by a known phylogenetic relationship. Advantageously, the invented method can detect and resolve the identities of microorganisms that are present in a mixed culture. The system is particularly suited to automated analysis.

Abstract: Hybridization probes and accessory oligonucleotides useful for detecting ribosomal nucleic acids from Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida dubliniensis, Candida viswanathii and Candida parapsilosis with high specificity.

Abstract: Hybridization assay probes and accessory oligonucleotides for detecting ribosomal nucleic acids from Candida albicans and/or Candida dubliniensis.

Abstract: Polynucleotide probes and accessory helper oligonucleotides useful for detecting bacteria that are members of the genus Staphylococcus. The hybridization probes are highly specific for Staphylococcal bacteria and do not cross-hybridize with the rRNA or rDNA of numerous other bacterial and fungal species.

Abstract: Polynucleotides useful for specifically detecting bacteria in the family Enterobacteriaceae. Probes and accessory “helper oligonucleotides” are disclosed for use in hybridizing the rRNA and rDNA of Enterobacteriaceae without substantially cross-hybridizing with the rRNA or rDNA of numerous other bacterial and fungal species.

Abstract: Methods useful for improving results obtained with enzyme-based polynucleotide amplification reactions. More particularly, the invented methods are useful for: (1) promoting amplification of template-specific products such that the amount of amplicon produced reflects the pre-amplification amount of analyte, even in reactions primed with low levels of analyte polynucleotide; (2) facilitating biological specimen processing such that the amount of amplicon produced in subsequent amplification reactions will be substantially independent of the efficiency of analyte polynucleotide isolation from the specimen; and (3) controlling the amount of analyte amplicon produced in the amplification reaction.

Abstract: Polynucleotide probes and accessory helper oligonucleotides useful for detecting the subset of High (G+C) subset of Gram-positive bacteria known as the “Actinomycetes.” The hybridization probes are highly specific for the Actinomycetes and do not cross-hybridize with the rRNA or rDNA of numerous other bacterial and fungal species.