Poliomyelitis

Question 1

Discuss the poliovirus characteristics

Answer 1

• Naked ssRNA
• There are 4 polioviruses serotype: PV 1,2 and 3

The antigenicity is distinct thus no cross-immunity

Question 2

Is polio eradicable and give reasons for your answer

Answer 2

Yes

• Human are them an only reservoir
• Good vaccines against all 3serotypes
• Good diagnostic and surveillance system

Question 3

MOT for poliovirus

Answer 3

• Predominantly via fecal-oral route ( highly shed in feces)
• Early infection is through throat secretion
• Naked RNA virus is resistant and can survive for long under suitable conditions

Question 4

polio complications

Answer 4

The virus spreads from blood to CNS and directly invade and
destroy low motor neurons of the spinal cord and motor cortex of the brain > acute flaccid paralysis (rapid weakness in 1 / more limbs with reduced tone and reduced reflexes )

• Muscle weakness, fatigue, and joint pains
• Past polio syndrome: A condition that affects survivors decades after their initial polio infection

Question 5

How is polio diagnosed

Answer 5

1. Case definition
   * An acute onset of flaccid paralysis in any child is a suspect of poliomyelitis
2. Specimen: 2 stool samples taken 24-48 hours apart within 14 days of onset of paralysis

Question 6

How can polio be prevented

Answer 6

*Oral polio vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine

Question 7

What is needed to eradicated polio

Answer 7

political engagement

• community mobilization
• vaccine supply
• finances
• strengthening surveillance, reaching missed children, and herd immunity