Q - WHAT IS POLIOVIRUS ? A - Poliovirus is a type of virus that belongs to the family Picornaviridae. It is the causative agent of poliomyelitis (polio).
Q - MORPHOLOGY OF POLIOVIRUS : A -
- Poliovirus is a small, non-enveloped virus.
- It has a single-stranded RNA genome.
- The virus is approximately 28-30 nanometers in diameter.
- It has an icosahedral capsid composed of 60 copies of the viral protein VP1.
- The capsid is composed of four types of viral proteins: VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4.
Q - PATHOGENESIS OF POLIOVIRUS INFECTION : A -
- Poliovirus enters the body through the mouth.
- The virus then replicates in the gut and eventually spreads to the bloodstream.
- The virus infects motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain.
- The virus causes the death of motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
- The virus also causes inflammation in the central nervous system.
Q - STEP BY STEP PATHOGENESIS OF POLIOVIRUS : A - → 1. Entry of the virus into the body through the mouth. → 2. Replication of the virus in the gut. → 3. Spread of the virus to the bloodstream. → 4. Infection of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain. → 5. Death of motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. → 6. Inflammation in the central nervous system.
Q - MEMORY TRICK FOR PATHOGENESIS : A - "Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Polio Viruses, Passed Through the Gut, Spread to the Bloodstream, Paralyzed the Motor Neurons, and Caused Inflammation in the CNS!"
Q - CLINICAL FEATURES OF POLIO : A -
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Muscle weakness
- Paralysis
- Respiratory failure
- Cardiac arrest
Q - COMPLICATIONS OF POLIO : A -
- Respiratory failure
- Cardiac arrest
- Paralysis
- Muscle atrophy
- Contractures
- Scoliosis
- Hydrocephalus
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis
Q - LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF POLIO : A -
- Detection of the virus in stool or throat swab samples using PCR or serology tests.
- Measurement of the level of antibodies against the virus in the blood.
- Detection of the virus in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Q - MEMORY TRICK FOR LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS : A - "Pick the right sample (stool or throat swab), Run the PCR or serology test, and Measure the antibody levels to diagnose Polio!"
Q - MANAGEMENT OF POLIO : A -
- Rest and hydration
- Pain management
- Respiratory support
- Cardiac support
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
Q - PREVENTION OF POLIO : A -
- Vaccination with the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) or oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV).
- Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly.
- Avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
- Improving sanitation and hygiene in communities.