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Updated: Jul 24, 2026
Particle Agglutination Method for Poliovirus Identification
Published on: April 20, 2011
Annual report of the Australian National Poliovirus Reference Laboratory, 2003
Kerri Anne Brussen1, Vicki Stambos, Bruce R Thorley
1AFP surveillance, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, North Melbourne, Victoria. kerrianne.brussen@mh.org.au
Abstract:
The Australian National Poliovirus Reference Laboratory was established in late 1994, as part of Australia's commitment to the World Health Organization's (WHO) polio eradication program. The laboratory continues to play a pivotal role in maintaining Australia's polio-free status through surveillance for cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), the main clinical presentation of poliomyelitis, and the testing of specimens from these cases. The annual notification rate for eligible cases of AFP in Australia for 2003 was 0.83 per 100,000 children less than 15 years of age. The annual non-polio AFP rate after classification of cases by the polio expert committee was 0.68 per 100,000, 32 per cent below WHO's annual target. While no polioviruses were isolated from the specimens tested from the 27 cases of AFP in 2003, a novel enterovirus (enterovirus 75) was isolated from one case and enterovirus 71 was isolated from another. During the same period 12 polioviruses, referred from cases other than AFP, tested as Sabin-like by the WHO approved methods of intratypic differentiation. The importation of wild polioviruses from endemic Nigeria into surrounding countries of Africa during 2003, highlights the importance of the continuation of AFP surveillance and high quality laboratory activities throughout the world until global eradication of polio is certified.
Insights
Australia maintained its polio-free status in 2003 through robust surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). No wild poliovirus was detected, but other enteroviruses were identified, underscoring the need for continued global polio eradication efforts.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The Australian National Poliovirus Reference Laboratory (ANPRL) was established in 1994 to support the World Health Organization's (WHO) global polio eradication program.
- Australia's polio-free status is maintained through surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), the primary clinical manifestation of poliomyelitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and poliovirus activity in Australia for the year 2003.
- To assess the effectiveness of Australia's AFP surveillance program in the context of global polio eradication.
Main Methods:
- Surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases in children under 15 years of age.
- Laboratory testing of specimens from AFP cases for poliovirus and other enteroviruses using WHO-approved methods.
- Intratypic differentiation of isolated polioviruses.
Main Results:
- In 2003, Australia reported an annual notification rate of 0.83 per 100,000 children under 15 for AFP.
- The non-polio AFP rate was 0.68 per 100,000, which is 32% below the WHO target.
- No wild polioviruses were isolated from 27 AFP cases; however, novel enterovirus 75 and enterovirus 71 were identified. Twelve Sabin-like polioviruses were detected in non-AFP cases.
Conclusions:
- Australia's AFP surveillance system effectively monitors for poliovirus and other enteroviruses, contributing to the nation's polio-free status.
- The global circulation of wild polioviruses, even in 2003, emphasizes the critical need for sustained high-quality surveillance and laboratory activities worldwide until polio is globally certified as eradicated.
