26th June 2023

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is a consequence of poliovirus infection leading to damage of lower motor neurons and resulting in an acute flaccid paralysis. It is primarily a lower motor neuron lesion and results in the destruction of the anterior horns and a subsequent pure motor deficit. Depending on the level of the damage, this can lead to bulbar involvement and acute respiratory failure.

The causative agent is the Poliovirus which is transmitted faecal orally, and replicates in the oropharynx and small intestine before spreading to the bloodstream and CNS.

Treatment is primarily supportive with no specific treatment, thus prevention of the infection with vaccination is vastly preferable.

Due to widespread vaccination since the 1950s, the incidence of polio has dramatically declined and has been virtually eradicated from most countries.