scholarly journals The role of genetic sequencing and analysis in the polio eradication programme

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Jorgensen ◽  
Margarita Pons-Salort ◽  
Alexander G Shaw ◽  
Nicholas C Grassly
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Polio Eradication ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Eradication Programme ◽  
Genetic Sequencing ◽  
Serotype 1 ◽  
Speed Up ◽  
Eradication Campaign ◽  
Global Polio Eradication Initiative

Abstract Genetic sequencing of polioviruses detected through clinical and environmental surveillance is used to confirm detection, identify their likely origin, track geographic patterns of spread, and determine the appropriate vaccination response. The critical importance of genetic sequencing and analysis to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has grown with the increasing incidence of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) infections in Africa specifically (470 reported cases in 2019), and globally, alongside persistent transmission of serotype 1 wild-type poliovirus in Pakistan and Afghanistan (197 reported cases in 2019). Adapting what has been learned about the virus genetics and evolution to address these threats has been a major focus of recent work. Here, we review how phylogenetic and phylogeographic methods have been used to trace the spread of wild-type polioviruses and identify the likely origins of VDPVs. We highlight the analysis methods and sequencing technology currently used and the potential for new technologies to speed up poliovirus detection and the interpretation of genetic data. At a pivotal point in the eradication campaign with the threat of anti-vaccine sentiment and donor and public fatigue, innovation is critical to maintain drive and overcome the last remaining circulating virus.

scholarly journals Some lessons for malaria from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matiana González-Silva ◽  
N. Regina Rabinovich
Keyword(s):  
Polio Eradication ◽  
Vaccine Virus ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Polio Virus ◽  
History Of ◽  
Eradication Campaign ◽  
Global Polio Eradication Initiative ◽  
Governance Strategy ◽  
Malaria Eradication ◽  
Near Future

AbstractThe Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was launched in 1988 with the aim of completely clearing wild polio viruses by 2000. More than three decades later, the goal has not been achieved, although spectacular advances have been made, with wild polio virus reported in only 2 countries in 2019. In spite of such progress, novel challenges have been added to the equation, most importantly outbreaks of vaccine-derived polio cases resulting from reversion to neurovirulence of attenuated vaccine virus, and insufficient coverage of vaccination. In the context of the latest discussions on malaria eradication, the GPEI experience provides more than a few lessons to the malaria field when considering a coordinated eradication campaign. The WHO Strategic Advisory Committee on Malaria Eradication (SAGme) stated in 2020 that in the context of more than 200 million malaria cases reported, eradication was far from reach in the near future and, therefore, efforts should remain focused on getting back on track to achieve the objectives set by the Global Technical Strategy against Malaria (2016–2030). Acknowledging the deep differences between both diseases and the stages they are in their path towards eradication, this paper draws from the history of GPEI and highlights relevant insights into what it takes to eradicate a pathogen in fields as varied as priority setting, global governance, strategy, community engagement, surveillance systems, and research. Above all, it shows the critical need for openness to change and adaptation as the biological, social and political contexts vary throughout the time an eradication campaign is ongoing.

scholarly journals Feasibility of Quantitative Environmental Surveillance in Poliovirus Eradication Strategies

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (11) ◽  
pp. 3800-3805 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. J. Lodder ◽  
A. M. Buisman ◽  
S. A. Rutjes ◽  
J. C. Heijne ◽  
P. F. Teunis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plaque Assay ◽  
Warning System ◽  
Oral Polio Vaccine ◽  
Polio Eradication ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Environmental Surveillance ◽  
Serotype 1 ◽  
Global Polio Eradication Initiative ◽  
Afp Surveillance ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals

ABSTRACTThe progress of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative is monitored by acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance supplemented with environmental surveillance in selected areas. To assess the sensitivity of environmental surveillance, stools from (re)vaccinated elderly persons with a low seroprevalence and from wastewater were concurrently collected and analyzed in the Netherlands over a prolonged period of time. A total number of 228 healthy individuals with different levels of immunity were challenged with monovalent oral polio vaccine serotype 1 or 3. Poliovirus concentrations were determined by the titration of fecal suspensions on poliovirus-sensitive L20B cells and of sewage concentrates by L20B monolayer plaque assay. Almost half of the individuals (45%) shed poliovirus on day 3 after challenge, which peaked (57%) on day 8 with an average poliovirus excretion of 1.3 × 105TCID50per g of feces and gradually decreased to less than 5% on day 42. The virus concentrations in sewage peaked on days 6 to 8 at approximately 100 PFU per liter, remained high until day 14, and subsequently decreased to less than 10 PFU per liter on day 29. The estimated poliovirus concentration in sewage approximated the measured initial virus excretion in feces, within 1 log10variation, resulting in a sensitivity of detection of 100 infected but mostly asymptomatic individuals in tens of thousands of individuals. An additional second peak observed in sewage may indicate secondary transmission missed by enterovirus or AFP surveillance in patients. This enables the detection of circulating poliovirus by environmental surveillance, supporting its feasibility as an early warning system.

scholarly journals Isolation of Sabin-like Polioviruses from Sewage in Poland

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Figas ◽  
Magdalena Wieczorek ◽  
Anna Żuk-Wasek ◽  
Bogumiła Litwińska
Keyword(s):  
Fragment Length Polymorphism ◽  
Polio Eradication ◽  
Environmental Surveillance ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Coding Region ◽  
Serotype 1 ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Capsid Protein Vp1 ◽  
Rflp Assay ◽  
Microneutralization Test

As a complement to the active search for cases of acute flaccid paralysis, environmental sampling was conducted from January to December 2011, to test for any putative polio revertants and recombinants in sewage. A total of 165 environmental samples were obtained and analyzed for the presence of polioviruses by use of cell culture (L20B, RD and Caco-2) followed by neutralization and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Out of the 31 CPE positive samples, 26 contained one and 5 two different serotypes, yielding a total of 36 PVs. The microneutralization test revealed the presence of 7, 10 and 19 strains belonging to poliovirus serotype 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The genomic variability of 36 poliovirus strains was examined by the restriction fragment length polymorphism assay (RFLP). By combined analyses of two distant, polymorphic segments of the viral genome, one situated in the capsid protein VP1 coding region and the other in the 3D-polymerase coding region, we screened for the putative poliovirus revertants and recombinants. All detected PVs were classified as vaccine strains on the basis of RFLP-VP1 test. None of wild-type PVs or vaccine derived polioviruses were detected. RFLP assay also revealed the presence of 11 recombinants in 3D-polymerase coding region. Nine isolates appeared to be S3/S2, one S3/S1 and S1/S2 recombinant in analyzed 3Dpol region. This study revealed, through environmental monitoring, the introduction of SL PVs into the population associated with the routine use of OPV in Poland before the April 2016. Our findings demonstrate the usefulness of environmental surveillance in the overall polio eradication program.

scholarly journals Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies - legal and tax aspects

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-26
Author(s):  
Tomasz Słapczyński
Keyword(s):  
Capital Accumulation ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Legal Documents ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Legal Provisions ◽  
Historical Outline ◽  
Speed Up

The main objective of the paper is to provide an answer to the question whether new technologies such as blockchain that enter various spheres of public life are safe for users and what impact they have on national legislations. Cryptocurrencies, which are based on blockchain technology, can be used as a means of payment, investment or capital accumulation. Therefore, blockchain becomes more and more popular. The main research method used in the paper consists of the analysis of legislation and jurisprudence as well as linguistic and purposive interpretation which affects the functioning of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. The introductory part of the paper contains a general historical outline and basic principles related to blockchain technology. Real and potential threats posed by the discussed technology are also discussed in the paper as well as the question whether governments or, more broadly, the international community, offer sufficient level of protection against risks related to the use of new technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Using blockchain to streamline logistic activities or to speed up transactions is useful in itself, but in the hands of private entities the technology may pose a risk of losing funds if not properly secured. The financial market is and should be supervised and controlled by the state which is the guarantor of economic freedom. Another vital question is whether legislators keep up with the advances in technology. It seems that the development of blockchain technology triggers development of new legal regulations. The more blockchain technology enters everyday life, the more legal documents appear in the form of case law, legal provisions, opinions etc. The role of these documents is to regulate, define and specify new technologies as they appear.

PARALLEL DILEMMAS: POLIO TRANSMISSION AND POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Africa ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 466-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisha P. Renne
Keyword(s):  
Federal Government ◽  
Political Violence ◽  
Polio Eradication ◽  
Northern Nigeria ◽  
Wild Poliovirus ◽  
Polio Immunization ◽  
Eradication Campaign ◽  
Global Polio Eradication Initiative ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Parental Opposition

ABSTRACTNigeria is one of three countries where polio continues to be endemic. In northern Nigeria, areas with low levels of polio immunization due to persistent parental opposition as well as implementation and infrastructural problems have contributed to wild poliovirus transmission. Furthermore, political violence associated with Islamic groups opposed to the federal government has also hampered the conclusion of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) efforts. This violence, which began in Borno State and has spread to other parts of northern Nigeria, occurs precisely where poliovirus transmission continues. These two related aspects – parallel dilemmas of low immunization and political violence – confound the conclusion of GPEI efforts in Nigeria. This situation also raises ethical questions both about the final stages of eradication efforts and about military actions to contain ongoing violence. The Nigerian government's attempts to suppress opposition to the polio eradication campaign by threatening non-compliant parents with arrest and by closing down media outlets may frighten some parents into compliance but can also breed resentment and resistance, just as military and police activities, such as house-to-house sweeps and widespread arrests, may encourage sympathy for Islamic insurgents. This situation suggests that the possible solution of one problem – the ending of wild poliovirus transmission – depends upon a solution of the other, i.e. the cessation of violent anti-government activities.

scholarly journals The final stages of the global eradication of poliomyelitis

2013 ◽  
Vol 368 (1623) ◽  
pp. 20120140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas C. Grassly
Keyword(s):  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Polio Eradication ◽  
Oral Poliovirus Vaccine ◽  
Intestinal Immunity ◽  
Oral Vaccination ◽  
Wild Poliovirus ◽  
Global Polio Eradication Initiative ◽  
Global Eradication ◽  
Lower Income Countries

The global incidence of poliomyelitis has dropped by more than 99 per cent since the governments of the world committed to eradication in 1988. One of the three serotypes of wild poliovirus has been eradicated and the remaining two serotypes are limited to just a small number of endemic regions. However, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has faced a number of challenges in eradicating the last 1 per cent of wild-virus transmission. The polio endgame has also been complicated by the recognition that vaccination with the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) must eventually cease because of the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-derived polioviruses. I describe the major challenges to wild poliovirus eradication, focusing on the poor immunogenicity of OPV in lower-income countries, the inherent limitations to the sensitivity and specificity of surveillance, the international spread of poliovirus and resulting outbreaks, and the potential significance of waning intestinal immunity induced by OPV. I then focus on the challenges to eradicating all polioviruses, the problem of vaccine-derived polioviruses and the risk of wild-type or vaccine-derived poliovirus re-emergence after the cessation of oral vaccination. I document the role of research in the GPEI's response to these challenges and ultimately the feasibility of achieving a world without poliomyelitis.

scholarly journals Role of environmental poliovirus surveillance in global polio eradication and beyond

2011 ◽  
Vol 140 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. HOVI ◽  
L. M. SHULMAN ◽  
H. VAN DER AVOORT ◽  
J. DESHPANDE ◽  
M. ROIVAINEN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Polio Eradication ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Disease Symptoms ◽  
Global Polio Eradication Initiative ◽  
Afp Surveillance ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Better Than

SUMMARYEnvironmental poliovirus surveillance (ENV) means monitoring of poliovirus (PV) transmission in human populations by examining environmental specimens supposedly contaminated by human faeces. The rationale is based on the fact that PV-infected individuals, whether presenting with disease symptoms or not, shed large amounts of PV in the faeces for several weeks. As the morbidity:infection ratio of PV infection is very low, this fact contributes to the sensitivity of ENV which under optimal conditions can be better than that of the standard acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance. The World Health Organization has included ENV in the new Strategic Plan of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative for years 2010–2012 to be increasingly used in PV surveillance, supplementing AFP surveillance. In this paper we review the feasibility of using ENV to monitor wild PV and vaccine-derived PV circulation in human populations, based on global experiences in defined epidemiological situations.

Meiotic CENP-C is a shepherd: bridging the space between the centromere and the kinetochore in time and space

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-261
Author(s):  
Jessica E. Fellmeth ◽  
Kim S. McKim
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Early Prophase ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Kinetochore Assembly ◽  
M Phase ◽  
In Vivo Analysis ◽  
Meiosis I

Abstract While many of the proteins involved in the mitotic centromere and kinetochore are conserved in meiosis, they often gain a novel function due to the unique needs of homolog segregation during meiosis I (MI). CENP-C is a critical component of the centromere for kinetochore assembly in mitosis. Recent work, however, has highlighted the unique features of meiotic CENP-C. Centromere establishment and stability require CENP-C loading at the centromere for CENP-A function. Pre-meiotic loading of proteins necessary for homolog recombination as well as cohesion also rely on CENP-C, as do the main scaffolding components of the kinetochore. Much of this work relies on new technologies that enable in vivo analysis of meiosis like never before. Here, we strive to highlight the unique role of this highly conserved centromere protein that loads on to centromeres prior to M-phase onset, but continues to perform critical functions through chromosome segregation. CENP-C is not merely a structural link between the centromere and the kinetochore, but also a functional one joining the processes of early prophase homolog synapsis to late metaphase kinetochore assembly and signaling.

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