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Polio eradication: surveillance implications for the United Kingdom
D M Salisbury1, M E Ramsay, J M White
1Department of Health, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, Virus Reference Division, Public Health Laboratory Service, London, United Kingdom.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Industrialized nations face challenges in certifying wild poliovirus eradication. Surveillance systems, including acute flaccid paralysis monitoring, are crucial for detecting any potential wild poliovirus transmission.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Industrialized nations face unique challenges in certifying the elimination of wild poliovirus.
- The United Kingdom, with no detected cases for over a decade, requires robust surveillance systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing poliomyelitis surveillance systems in industrialized countries.
- To identify potential weaknesses and alternative strategies for wild poliovirus detection and certification.
Main Methods:
- Review of poliomyelitis surveillance systems, including acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance.
- Analysis of vaccine-associated case rates as an indicator for wild virus detection.
- Consideration of environmental and clinical poliovirus surveillance.
Main Results:
- AFP surveillance rates in the UK were lower than elsewhere but deemed acceptable for certification.
- Vaccine-associated case rates can indicate the sensitivity of surveillance systems.
- Alternative surveillance methods may be necessary for countries with low AFP rates.
Conclusions:
- Effective surveillance is essential for certifying wild poliovirus eradication, even in countries with no recent cases.
- Developing advanced techniques to identify and differentiate poliovirus strains is key to ensuring eradication.
- Continued vigilance and adaptation of surveillance strategies are vital for global polio-free status.