| abstract |
A method of recovering an enzyme activity, such as reverse transcriptase (RT) activity, from enveloped viruses, such as HIV, in a biological sample containing a non-protected enzymes, is described. A cysteine-modifying substance is used to destroy the activity of the non-protected enzymes, followed by removal of the enveloped virus particles or inactivation of the cysteine-modifying substance with a chemical. Then the virus envelope is lysed and the released enzymes are recovered. Commercial packages containing written and/or data carrier instructions and some chemicals for performing laboratory steps for recovery of an enzyme activity from enveloped viruses, are also disclosed. |