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Annual report of the Australian National Poliovirus Reference Laboratory 2005
Kerri Anne Brussen1, Jason Roberts, Aishah Ibrahim
1Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Carlton South, Victoria. kerrianne.brussen@mh.org.au
Abstract:
In May 1988 the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution for the global eradication of poliomyelitis. Since then two target dates for eradication (2000 and 2003) have passed and the struggle to eradicate the poliovirus continues. Australia's commitment to the worldwide campaign began in December 1994 with the designation of the National Poliovirus Reference Laboratory at the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory and the initiation of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance in March 1995. During 2005 the National Poliovirus Reference Laboratory did not isolate any wild or vaccine derived polioviruses from the 42 samples collected from eighteen cases of acute flaccid paralysis in Australian residents. Three Sabin-like polioviruses were isolated from three cases of acute flaccid paralysis but all were considered incidental isolations by the Polio Expert Committee and not implicated in the disease of the patients. After exceeding the World Health Organization target of one case of AFP per 100,000 children aged less than 15 years in 2004, Australia's non-polio AFP rate in 2005 fell to 0.75 cases per 100,000 children. The high number of wild poliovirus importations reported globally in 2005 into previously polio free countries, highlights the need for a sensitive AFP surveillance system within Australia and for specimens from AFP cases to be forwarded to the National Poliovirus Reference Laboratory.
Insights
Australia
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Global poliomyelitis eradication efforts continue despite missed target dates.
- Australia established the National Poliovirus Reference Laboratory and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance in 1994-1995.
- Wild poliovirus importations into polio-free countries remain a global concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on Australia's poliovirus surveillance findings for 2005.
- To assess the effectiveness of Australia's acute flaccid paralysis surveillance system.
- To emphasize the ongoing need for robust surveillance in the face of global poliovirus circulation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 42 samples from 18 acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases in Australian residents during 2005.
- Isolation and characterization of polioviruses by the National Poliovirus Reference Laboratory.
- Calculation of the non-polio AFP rate per 100,000 children under 15 years.
Main Results:
- No wild or vaccine-derived polioviruses were isolated from AFP cases in 2005.
- Three Sabin-like polioviruses were isolated but deemed incidental and not disease-related.
- Australia's non-polio AFP rate decreased to 0.75 per 100,000 children in 2005.
Conclusions:
- Australia's surveillance system did not detect wild or vaccine-derived poliovirus in 2005.
- The findings support the continued sensitivity of Australia's AFP surveillance.
- Maintaining a vigilant surveillance system is crucial due to international poliovirus importations.
