Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Polio Virus Isolates from Children with Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) in Maiduguri Metropolis

Abstract

Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is one of the strategic universally accepted methods for the control of childhood diseases including poliomyelitis. The study was carried out to isolate and characterize polio virus isolates from children with Acute Flaccid Paralysis in Maiduguri Metropolis. The methods adopted for virus isolation from stool samples were described in WHO Polio Laboratory Manual 2004. Out of the 406 stool samples of children with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) analysed, 47 samples were found to be positive giving an isolation rate of 11.6%. High prevalence rate was observed among age group 1-3 with 35(13.4%) followed by age group 4-6, with 11(8.2%).  Sex distributions of children with poliovirus serotypes isolated from AFB stool samples shows 25(10.3%) were male while 22(13.4%) with female. Seasonal distribution revealed  25(12.6%) isolates were obtained during Dry season while 22(10.6%) were isolated during Rainy season. From the findings, Sabin polioviruses and Non-polio enteroviruses were isolated from children with Acute Flaccid Paralysis. There is need to collect samples from apparently healthy children to complement the AFP surveillance system as 95% of polio virus infection remain asymptomatic.

 Key words: Poliovirus, Children, Acute Flaccid Paralysis, Maiduguri, Nigeria.