The road to a polio-free Uganda; contribution of the Expanded Program on Immunization Laboratory (EPI-LAB) at Uganda Virus Research Institute.
Afr Health Sci
; 23(3): 186-196, 2023 Sep.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38357183
ABSTRACT
Background:
The control of poliomyelitis in Uganda dates back as far as 1950 and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance has since been used as a criterion for identifying wild polioviruses. Poliovirus isolation was initially pursued through collaborative research however, in 1993, the Expanded Program on Immunization Laboratory (EPI-LAB) was established as a member of the Global Poliovirus Laboratory Network (GPLN) and spearheaded this activity at Uganda Virus Research Institute.Objectives:
The aim of this report is to document the progress and impact of the EPI-LAB on poliovirus eradication in Uganda.Methods:
Poliovirus detection and identification were achieved fundamentally through tissue culture and intra-typic differentiation of the poliovirus based on the real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT PCR). The data obtained was entered into the national AFP database and analysed using EpiInfoTM statistical software.Results:
Quantitative and qualitative detection of wild and Sabin polioviruses corresponded with the polio campaigns. The WHO target indicators for AFP surveillance were achieved essentially throughout the study period.Conclusion:
Virological tracking coupled with attaining standard AFP surveillance indicators has been pivotal in achieving and maintaining the national wild polio-free status. Laboratory surveillance remains key in informing the certification process of polio eradication.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Poliomielitis
/
Poliovirus
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Screening_studies
Límite:
Humans
País/Región como asunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Afr Health Sci
Asunto de la revista:
MEDICINA
/
SERVICOS DE SAUDE
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Uganda