Vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis in a child: fast transformation from Sabin-like virus to vaccine-derived poliovirus triggered an epidemiological response in two countries of the European region

Int J Infect Dis. 2022 Dec:125:35-41. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.09.034. Epub 2022 Sep 28.

Abstract

Objectives: The detection of a vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) requires an epidemiological assessment and response. Using repeated stool sampling from a child who is immunocompetent and was vaccinated against poliomyelitis with acute flaccid paralysis, a case of an extremely rapid evolution of Sabin-like poliovirus (PV) type 3 was traced in the child's body.

Methods: The case was independently identified in two countries-Tajikistan and Russia. Stool samples for the study were also independently collected in two countries on different days from the onset of paralysis. Virological, serological, and molecular methods; full genome Sanger; and high-throughput sequencing were performed to characterize isolates.

Results: PV isolates from samples collected on days 2, 3, and 14 contained eight, seven, and seven mutations in the VP1-coding region, respectively, and were classified as Sabin-like PV type 3. The isolates from samples collected on days 15 and 18 had 11 mutations and were classified as vaccine-derived PVs, which required an epidemiological response in the two countries.

Conclusion: The results indicate the need to continue acute flaccid paralysis surveillance, maintain high vaccination coverage, and develop and introduce new effective, genetically stable PV vaccines.

Keywords: AFP; Epidemiological surveillance; Genome analysis; Immunization; VAPP; VDPV.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Poliomyelitis* / prevention & control
  • Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral* / adverse effects
  • Poliovirus* / genetics
  • Russia
  • Tajikistan

Substances

  • Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral

Supplementary concepts

  • acute flaccid myelitis