Poliovirus Laboratory Based Surveillance: An Overview.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Virology

Background:

• The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), launched in 1988, aimed to eliminate poliovirus through immunization and surveillance.
• Poliomyelitis incidence has decreased by over 99%, with only three endemic countries remaining.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the progress and challenges of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
• To highlight the importance of continued surveillance for achieving complete eradication.

Main Methods:

• Review of Global Polio Eradication Initiative progress and historical data.
• Analysis of poliovirus serotype extinction and remaining challenges.

Main Results:

• Global poliomyelitis incidence reduced by over 99% since GPEI launch.
• Wild poliovirus type 2 last seen in 1999; wild poliovirus type 3 last seen in 2012.
• Poliovirus reduced to three endemic countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria.

Conclusions:

• Poliomyelitis is nearing eradication, with poliovirus serotypes close to extinction.
• Environmental surveillance is essential to detect subclinical infections and ensure eradication.
• Reversion of vaccine-derived poliovirus in under-immunized populations poses a significant challenge.