Quantitative one-step RT-PCR assay for rapid and sensitive identification and titration of polioviruses in clinical specimens

► Multiplex RT-PCR was developed to identify the three Sabin strains in clinical samples. ► A rapid and sensitive method that could be used as a surrogate to determine titers of individual serotypes of Sabin polioviruses in clinical samples was developed. ► The poliovirus quantitations with both the developed quantitative RT-PCR and TCID50 assay was found to be comparable.