Culture-Independent Detection of Poliovirus in Stool Samples by Direct RNA Extraction

Abstract

Successfully identifying poliovirus from acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases is a vital role of the Global Polio Laboratory Network to achieve the goals of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Currently, laboratory surveillance relies on virus isolation by cell culture to test for PV present in stool samples. Although this method can identify polioviruses, laboratories must switch to culture-independent methods to reduce the risk associated with growing live viruses in a soon-to-be polio-free world. By implementing this streamlined method, in combination with real-time RT-PCR, laboratories can quickly screen for and type polioviruses of programmatic importance to support the final stages of global polio eradication.