This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Vaccine-derived polio complicates eradication efforts
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
An emerging vaccine-derived type of poliovirus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is adding another hurdle to polio eradication efforts across the world, according to study results published online.
Researchers from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa conducted genomic sequencing of isolates from 70 acute flaccid paralysis patients in the Congo, which “revealed nucleotide sequence divergence of up to 3.5% in the viral protein 1 capsid region of the viral genome relative to the Sabin vaccine strain.”
The researchers noted some possible causes for the strain, which they said was associated with paralysis and was spread from person to person through poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation and inadequate vaccination coverage with polio vaccine.
Because similar conditions exist elsewhere in Africa, the researchers said surveillance will be key to quickly detecting this vaccine-derived poliovirus and taking preventive measures, including alternative vaccines, to prevent spread.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts