Using Real-Time RT-PCR Reagent Kits for Identity Testing of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccines

Currently, the identity of measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccines is determined during certification testing by a labour-consuming, lengthy and costly neutralisation test using cell cultures. The identity of the virus contained in such vaccines is established based on neutralisation of cytopathic effect of viruses in sensitive RK-13 and Vero cell cultures using a specific immune serum. An urgent challenge is to simplify and reduce the cost of controlling the identity of commercial batches of measles, mumps and rubella vaccines using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) detection in these vaccines using reagent kits from different manufacturers for detection of measles, mumps and rubella viruses in clinical material by real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). The article presents the results of the study, which assessed the possibility of using the real-time RT-PCR for testing the identity of measles, mumps and rubella viruses in vaccines. The authors of the study analysed domestically produced and foreign reagent kits intended for detection of measles, mumps and rubella viruses in clinical material. All the studied reagent kits were able to detect RNAs of the above-mentioned viruses in vaccine products. All the reagent kits demonstrated high specificity and could be used to confirm the identity of the measles, mumps and rubella viruses in all the studied vaccines. Commercial domestic reagent kits can be used to determine the identity of rubella vaccines by RT-PCR. However, it is advisable to develop domestic reagent kits for checking the identity of measles and mumps vaccines by RT-PCR. The acceptability of the test results was assessed using the industry reference standards of measles, mumps and rubella viruses activity with certified stable activity values.

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