Patent ID: 7011941

Claim:
A method for detecting a target polynucleotide in a sample, said target polynucleotide having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: 1) the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, 2) the polynucleotide sequence complementary to 1), and 3) the RNA equivalent of 1) or 2), the method comprising: a) hybridizing the sample with a probe consisting of at least 20 contiguous nucleotides comprising a sequence complementary to said target polynucleotide in the sample, and which probe specifically hybridizes to said target polynucleotide, under conditions whereby a hybridization complex is formed between said probe and said target polynucleotide, and b) detecting the presence or absence of said hybridization complex, and, optionally, if present, the amount thereof.