Scientist performing molecular testing for different types of polio. The 6-assay screening can determine which samples are polio, the specific serotype of polio, and whether they are polio vaccine strains or wild strains. Polio, or poliomyelitis, also known as infantile paralysis, is a childhood disease caused by the poliovirus. The virus is transmitted from faeces via contaminated water and food. It has been eradicated in many countries through vaccination programmes.