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MicroWorld
Polio
Summary
Cause
: Polio virus (picornavirus)
Transmission
: fecal-oral (
enterovirus
)
Symptoms
: Asymptomatic (90%); fever, malaise, vomiting, headache in 5%
Pathogenesis
: Viremia, infection of target cells + immune response lead to early symptoms. If virus spreads to CNS (motor neurons) paralysis can result
Complications
: meningitis (1-2%), paralysis (0.5 - 2%)
Treatment
: pleconaril can prevent picornavirus entry into cells if administered early
Immunity
: lifelong
Vaccine
: IPV and OPV