We evaluated a TaqMan RT-PCR assay for the rubella surveillance system in Japan.
We tested its sensitivity with all rubella virus genotypes and clinical specimens.
Detection limits for the rubella virus genotypes ranged from 1 to 10 pfu/reaction.
The sensitivity of the TaqMan RT-PCR was lower than the conventional nested RT-PCR.
The assay is appropriate for throat swab and urine samples until 5 days of illness.