Report of the Australian National Polio Reference Laboratory. 1 January to 31 December 1998
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Updated: Oct 19, 2026
Particle Agglutination Method for Poliovirus Identification
Published on: April 20, 2011
M Kennett1, K A Brussen, V Stambos
1Australian National Polio Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Victoria.
Abstract:
The Australian National Polio Reference Laboratory was established at the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL) in late 1994 to carry out virological confirmation of the eradication of poliomyelitis in Australia. The laboratory is responsible for transporting samples from all Australian patients with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) to VIDRL for poliovirus culture, identification and intratypic differentiation. The laboratory also performs polio serology on selected serum samples from AFP patients when faecal samples are not available. In 1998, faecal specimens were received from 11 patients with AFP. Adenovirus type 2 was isolated from 1 patient and an untypable non-polio enterovirus from another. No viruses were isolated from the other 9 patients. Since 1995, over 820 isolates have been transported to VIDRL from laboratories in five Australian states for testing. Three hundred and seventy three (45%) were confirmed as Sabin vaccine-like polioviruses, 416 (51%) were non-polio enteroviruses and 24 (3%) yielded no virus or viruses other than enteroviruses. Eight polioviruses are still uncharacterised.
Insights
The Australian National Polio Reference Laboratory confirms polio eradication by testing acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) samples. Most isolates were Sabin vaccine-like polioviruses or non-polio enteroviruses, indicating successful disease control.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The Australian National Polio Reference Laboratory (ANPRL) was established in 1994 at the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL).
- Its primary role is to virologically confirm the eradication of poliomyelitis in Australia.
- The laboratory manages the transport of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) samples for poliovirus testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the activities and findings of the ANPRL in confirming polio eradication.
- To analyze the types of viruses isolated from AFP cases and other submitted samples.
- To assess the effectiveness of polio surveillance in Australia.
Main Methods:
- Collection and transport of fecal specimens from AFP patients to VIDRL.
- Polio virus culture, identification, and intratypic differentiation.
- Polio serology performed on serum samples when fecal specimens are unavailable.
- Analysis of over 820 isolates transported to VIDRL since 1995.
Main Results:
- In 1998, 11 AFP cases yielded adenovirus type 2 (1), an untypable non-polio enterovirus (1), and no virus (9).
- From 1995 onwards, 45% (373) of 820+ isolates were Sabin vaccine-like polioviruses.
- 51% (416) were non-polio enteroviruses, and 3% (24) yielded other viruses or no virus.
- Eight polioviruses remain uncharacterized.
Conclusions:
- The ANPRL plays a crucial role in Australia's polio eradication efforts.
- The predominance of Sabin vaccine-like polioviruses and non-polio enteroviruses in surveillance samples supports the absence of wild poliovirus circulation.
- Ongoing virological surveillance is essential for maintaining polio-free status.
