Hands-on Training Course to Implement the Real Time PCR Techniques for Rapid Detection and Characterization of Polioviruses (China)
5-16 March 2012, Beijing, China - The polio network laboratories in the Western Pacific Region, except China, introduced the new algorithm for virus isolation and intratypic differentiation (ITD)and vaccine derived poliovirus (VDPV) screening during 2009-2010, following the recommendations of the WHO global polio laboratory network. After experiencing wild polio type 1 outbreak in Xinjiang province in 2011, China decided to introduce the real time PCR for ITD of polioviruses and VDPV and the new algorithm for virus isolation. China CDC organized hands on training workshop during March 5-16, 2012 for 24 provincial laboratories to introduce the real time PCR for ITD and VDPV screening. Eleven laboratory staff from provincial laboratories participated in the training for the first week. The participating members were from Shanxi, Hunan, Heilongjiang, Guizhou, Shandong, Henan, Guangxi, Zhejiang, Hebei, Anhui and Gansu CDC. For the second week, provincial laboratory staff from Sichuan, Beijing, Xinjiangm Shaanxi, Jilin, Shanghai, Fujian, Jinaxi, Yunnan, Guangdong, Gansu, Jiangsu, Tianjin participated in the workshop. Four facilitators from US CDC, WHO HQ and WPRO participated in the training during 9-16 March 2012. During the workshop, implementation steps were discussed with expected completion in August 2012. The third round of a week long hands-on course to train remaining provincial laboratories will be organized by China CDC in May 2012.