[Silent circulation of poliovirus demonstrated by interference against non-polio enterovirus]

Fecal samples were weekly obtained from children under 3 years of age to isolate non-polio poliovirus and enterovirus and to expand the knowledge on circulation of vaccine-derived viruses during mass campaigns. The steady vaccination schedules allow the circulation of these viruses for long periods of time. The interference of non-polio enterovirus by vaccine poliovirus was demonstrated in children. However, the low percentages of non-polio enterovirus did not show significant differences whereas these differences were significant in high percentages of vaccine poliovirus isolated in children under one year-old in comparison with those of 1 and 2 years of age. Based on this contradiction, mathematical calculations estimated the silent circulation of poliovirus that in turn made it possible to draw simulated curves. The results were later confirmed in another research work by using immunological methods.