Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Particle Agglutination Method for Poliovirus Identification
07:06

Particle Agglutination Method for Poliovirus Identification

Published on: April 20, 2011

I. POLIOMYELITIC VIRUS IN HUMAN STOOLS

J D Trask1, J R Paul, A J Vignec

  • 1Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine of the Yale University School of Medicine, and the Pediatric and the Medical Services of the New Haven Hospital and Dispensary, New Haven.

The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Poliomyelitis virus was detected in stool samples from individuals during an epidemic. Fecal examinations proved effective for epidemiological tracking and virus detection, especially in non-paralytic cases.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Poliomyelitis is a highly contagious infectious disease.
  • Early detection and tracking are crucial for controlling outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the detection of poliovirus in fecal samples.
  • To evaluate fecal examination as an epidemiological tool for poliomyelitis.
  • To assess factors influencing virus detectability.

Main Methods:

  • Collection and analysis of stool specimens from individuals with suspected poliomyelitis.
  • Virus isolation and detection from fecal material.
  • Comparison of detection rates across different disease types and patient demographics.

Main Results:

  • Poliovirus was detected in 10 stool samples from 8 individuals, with 7 cases showing recognized forms of the disease.
  • Virus detection was easier in non-paralytic poliomyelitis cases and in younger patients.
  • Fecal examinations showed promise as an epidemiological tool, with negative results in control samples.
  • Poliovirus demonstrated stability in feces, allowing for successful sample mailing.

Conclusions:

  • Fecal examination is a valuable method for detecting poliovirus during epidemics.
  • The study highlights the utility of stool analysis for epidemiological surveillance of poliomyelitis.
  • Understanding factors affecting virus detectability can optimize diagnostic and surveillance strategies.

More Related Videos

Cost-effective Method for Microbial Source Tracking Using Specific Human and Animal Viruses11:29

Cost-effective Method for Microbial Source Tracking Using Specific Human and Animal Viruses

Published on: December 3, 2011

A Liquid Phase Affinity Capture Assay Using Magnetic Beads to Study Protein-Protein Interaction: The Poliovirus-Nanobody Example08:10

A Liquid Phase Affinity Capture Assay Using Magnetic Beads to Study Protein-Protein Interaction: The Poliovirus-Nanobody Example

Published on: May 29, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Human Virome01:26

Human Virome

The human body harbors a vast and diverse viral community known as the human virome. The virome includes bacteriophages that infect bacteria, and eukaryotic viruses that infect human cells. Transient dietary and environmental viruses also contribute to this dynamic ecosystem. Estimates suggest the human body may contain on the order of 10¹³ viral particles, though abundance varies widely by body site and detection method.Comprehensive characterization of the virome has become possible only with...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...