Rapid and accurate identification of poliovirus strains used for vaccine production

► Inactivated polio vaccines developed with attenuated strains require new identification tests. ► Development of a real-time PCR procedure for particular poliovirus strains. ► Rapid and accurate identification of vaccine-specific poliovirus strains. ► Vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDVPs) recognised by real-time PCR. In the context of eradication of poliomyelitis the World Health Organization stimulates the development of inactivated polio vaccines based on attenuated virus strains. In addition to vaccine development, tests have to be designed to assess the vaccine quality. An important test is the identification test for poliovirus strains that are used for the vaccine production. A rapid and accurate PCR method with fluorescent probes has been developed to identify unequivocally the vaccine-specific poliovirus strains, such as Mahoney, MEF-1, Saukett H, Sabin type 1, Sabin type 2 and Sabin type 3.