Polio Children: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Mayoor father founder Polio Children.png|thumb]] [[File:Arun Patel speech.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Rekha teaching SKSN.jpg|thumb]] [[File:SKSN Girls Vocational Training hostel.jpg|thumb]] {{Infobox disease
{{Infobox disease
| name = Poliomyelitis
| name = Poliomyelitis
| image =  
| image = Kitchen,_Kwa_Mkono,_Tanzania.jpg
| caption =  
| caption = A kitchen in Kwa Mkono, Tanzania, where polio eradication efforts are ongoing.
| field = Infectious disease
| field = Infectious disease
| symptoms = Muscle weakness, paralysis
| symptoms = Muscle weakness, paralysis
| complications = Permanent disability, death
| complications = Permanent disability, death
| duration =
| causes = [[Poliovirus]]
| causes = [[Poliovirus]]
| risks =
| diagnosis =
| prevention = [[Polio vaccine]]
| prevention = [[Polio vaccine]]
| treatment = Supportive care
| treatment = Supportive care
| prognosis =
| frequency =
| deaths =
}}
}}


'''Poliomyelitis''', commonly known as '''polio''', is an infectious disease caused by the [[poliovirus]]. The virus primarily affects children under the age of five, leading to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis. The disease has been a major public health concern, particularly before the development of effective vaccines.
'''Poliomyelitis''', commonly known as '''polio''', is an infectious disease caused by the [[poliovirus]]. It primarily affects children under the age of five, although it can occur in individuals of any age. The disease is characterized by its ability to invade the nervous system, potentially leading to paralysis and, in severe cases, death.


== Pathophysiology ==
==Etiology==
Poliovirus is a member of the genus ''[[Enterovirus]]'', part of the family ''[[Picornaviridae]]''. It is a small, non-enveloped virus with an RNA genome. The virus is transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated water or food. Once ingested, the virus multiplies in the intestine and can invade the nervous system, leading to the destruction of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem.
Poliomyelitis is caused by the poliovirus, a member of the genus ''[[Enterovirus]]''. There are three serotypes of the virus: PV1, PV2, and PV3. The virus is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated water or food.


== Clinical Presentation ==
==Pathophysiology==
The majority of poliovirus infections are asymptomatic. However, in about 1% of cases, the virus invades the central nervous system, leading to the following clinical manifestations:
After entering the body, the poliovirus multiplies in the intestine. It can then invade the central nervous system, where it preferentially infects and destroys motor neurons in the spinal cord, brainstem, or motor cortex, leading to muscle weakness and acute flaccid paralysis.


* '''Abortive poliomyelitis''': A mild, non-specific illness with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and malaise.
==Clinical Presentation==
* '''Non-paralytic aseptic meningitis''': Characterized by headache, neck stiffness, and back pain.
The majority of poliovirus infections are asymptomatic. However, in about 1% of cases, the virus enters the central nervous system and causes paralysis. Symptoms of paralytic polio include:
* '''Paralytic poliomyelitis''': The most severe form, leading to acute flaccid paralysis. This can result in permanent disability or death if respiratory muscles are affected.
* Sudden onset of muscle weakness
* Loss of reflexes
* Severe muscle pain
* Flaccid paralysis, often asymmetrical


== Diagnosis ==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of polio is primarily clinical, supported by laboratory tests. Detection of poliovirus in stool samples or throat swabs confirms the diagnosis. Serological tests can also detect antibodies to the virus.
Diagnosis of polio is based on clinical presentation and laboratory testing. Detection of poliovirus in stool samples or throat swabs confirms the diagnosis. Serological tests can also detect antibodies to the virus.


== Prevention ==
==Prevention==
The most effective way to prevent polio is through vaccination. There are two types of vaccines:
The most effective way to prevent polio is through vaccination. The [[polio vaccine]] is available in two forms: the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). Global vaccination efforts have significantly reduced the incidence of polio worldwide.


* '''[[Inactivated poliovirus vaccine]] (IPV)''': Administered via injection, IPV is safe and effective in preventing polio.
==Treatment==
* '''[[Oral poliovirus vaccine]] (OPV)''': Administered orally, OPV is easy to administer and provides intestinal immunity, which helps prevent the spread of the virus.
 
== Treatment ==
There is no cure for polio; treatment focuses on supportive care. This includes:
There is no cure for polio; treatment focuses on supportive care. This includes:
* Pain management
* Pain management
* Physical therapy to prevent deformities and improve mobility
* Physical therapy to prevent deformities and improve mobility
* Mechanical ventilation for patients with respiratory muscle involvement
* Mechanical ventilation in cases of respiratory muscle involvement


== Global Eradication Efforts ==
==Epidemiology==
Significant progress has been made towards the eradication of polio, with cases reduced by over 99% since 1988. The [[Global Polio Eradication Initiative]] (GPEI) has been instrumental in these efforts, focusing on vaccination campaigns and surveillance.
Polio was once a global epidemic, but widespread vaccination campaigns have led to its near eradication. As of 2023, polio remains endemic in only a few countries, with ongoing efforts to achieve complete eradication.


== Challenges ==
==Public Health and Eradication Efforts==
Despite progress, challenges remain in eradicating polio, particularly in regions with political instability, poor infrastructure, and vaccine hesitancy. Continued efforts are necessary to achieve a polio-free world.
The [[Global Polio Eradication Initiative]] (GPEI) is a public-private partnership that has been instrumental in reducing polio cases by over 99% since its launch in 1988. Efforts focus on immunization, surveillance, and outbreak response.


== Also see ==
==Also see==
* [[Poliovirus]]
* [[Poliovirus]]
* [[Polio vaccine]]
* [[Polio vaccine]]
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[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
[[Category:Viral diseases]]
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Vaccination]]

Latest revision as of 00:50, 10 December 2024

Polio Children
A kitchen in Kwa Mkono, Tanzania, where polio eradication efforts are ongoing.
ICD-10
ICD-9
DiseasesDB
MedlinePlus
eMedicine
MeSH ID

Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects children under the age of five, although it can occur in individuals of any age. The disease is characterized by its ability to invade the nervous system, potentially leading to paralysis and, in severe cases, death.

Etiology[edit]

Poliomyelitis is caused by the poliovirus, a member of the genus Enterovirus. There are three serotypes of the virus: PV1, PV2, and PV3. The virus is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated water or food.

Pathophysiology[edit]

After entering the body, the poliovirus multiplies in the intestine. It can then invade the central nervous system, where it preferentially infects and destroys motor neurons in the spinal cord, brainstem, or motor cortex, leading to muscle weakness and acute flaccid paralysis.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

The majority of poliovirus infections are asymptomatic. However, in about 1% of cases, the virus enters the central nervous system and causes paralysis. Symptoms of paralytic polio include:

  • Sudden onset of muscle weakness
  • Loss of reflexes
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Flaccid paralysis, often asymmetrical

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of polio is based on clinical presentation and laboratory testing. Detection of poliovirus in stool samples or throat swabs confirms the diagnosis. Serological tests can also detect antibodies to the virus.

Prevention[edit]

The most effective way to prevent polio is through vaccination. The polio vaccine is available in two forms: the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). Global vaccination efforts have significantly reduced the incidence of polio worldwide.

Treatment[edit]

There is no cure for polio; treatment focuses on supportive care. This includes:

  • Pain management
  • Physical therapy to prevent deformities and improve mobility
  • Mechanical ventilation in cases of respiratory muscle involvement

Epidemiology[edit]

Polio was once a global epidemic, but widespread vaccination campaigns have led to its near eradication. As of 2023, polio remains endemic in only a few countries, with ongoing efforts to achieve complete eradication.

Public Health and Eradication Efforts[edit]

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is a public-private partnership that has been instrumental in reducing polio cases by over 99% since its launch in 1988. Efforts focus on immunization, surveillance, and outbreak response.

Also see[edit]