Abstract: A method and kit for detecting the presence of a target sequence in a polynucleotide analyte contained in a sample are disclosed. In practicing the method, the sample is mixed with a single-stranded DNA target probe having a sequence capable of hybridizing with the target sequence, under conditions effective to form a double-stranded complex of the analyte and the single-stranded DNA target probe, and the single-stranded DNA target probe in the complex is reacted in the presence of a polymerase and one to three nucleotide triphosphates, to add a selected one or more target-directed nucleotide bases to single-stranded DNA target probe's 3? end to produce a modified probe. The modified probe is hybridized with a single-stranded DNA detection probe, the two probes are ligated to form a two-probe ligation product, and the presence of the ligation product is detected.

Abstract: A method and kit for detecting the presence of a target sequence in a polynucleotide analyte contained in a sample are disclosed. In practicing the method, the sample is mixed with a target probe having a sequence capable of hybridizing with said target sequence, under conditions effective to form a double-stranded complex of the analyte and the probe, and the probe in the complex is reacted in the presence of a polymerase and a selected one to three of four possible nucleotide triphosphates, to add a selected one or more target-directed nucleotide bases to the probe's 3? end to produce a modified probe. The modified probe is hybridized with a detection probe, the two probes are ligated to form a two-probe ligation product, and the presence of the ligation product is detected.