Reinforced poliovirus and enterovirus surveillance in Romania, 2015-2016

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• In 2015, Romania faced a risk of poliovirus importation from Ukraine.
• A surveillance program was initiated to monitor enteroviruses (EVs) in at-risk populations and the environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the circulation of poliovirus and other enteroviruses in Romania.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of combined environmental and human surveillance for enteroviruses.

Main Methods:

• Virological testing was performed on stool samples from 155 healthy children (2 months to 6 years).
• Sewage water samples (n=186) from various locations were also tested.
• Non-polio enteroviruses were identified and characterized.

Main Results:

• No poliovirus was detected in any of the samples.
• Enteroviruses were detected in 37.42% of stool samples and 26.88% of sewage samples.
• High circulation levels of echovirus (E) types 6 and 7, and coxsackievirus (CV) type B5 were observed.

Conclusions:

• The surveillance program successfully detected non-polio enteroviruses but found no evidence of poliovirus circulation.
• Echovirus types 6 and 7 and coxsackievirus type B5 were the predominant non-polio EVs identified.
• Environmental and human surveillance provides valuable data on enterovirus epidemiology.