Virology Journal (Apr 2018)

The detection of 3 ambiguous type 2 vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPV2s) in Uganda

  • Mary Bridget Nanteza,
  • Barnabas Bakamutumaho,
  • Annet Kisakye,
  • Prossy Namuwulya,
  • Henry Bukenya,
  • Edson Katushabe,
  • Josephine Bwogi,
  • Charles Rutebarika Byabamazima,
  • Raffaella Williams,
  • Nicksy Gumede

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-018-0990-y
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 1
pp. 1 – 10

Abstract

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Abstract Background The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV or Sabin) is genetically unstable and may mutate to form vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs). Methods In 2014, two VDPVs type 2 were identified during routine surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases. Consequently, a retrospective VDPV survey was conducted to ensure that there was no circulating VDPV in the country. All Sabin poliovirus isolates identified in Uganda 6 months before and 6 months after were re-screened; Sabin 1 and 3 polioviruses were re-screened for Sabin 2 and Sabin 2 polioviruses were re-screened for VDPVs type 2. The Poliovirus rRT-PCR ITD/VDPV 4.0 assay and sequencing were used respectively. Results The first two VDPVs type2 were identified in Eastern Uganda and the third was identified during the survey from South-western Uganda. These regions had low OPV coverage and poor AFP surveillance indicators. Conclusion The retrospective VDPV survey was a useful strategy to screen for VDPVs more exhaustively. Supplementary surveillance methods need to be encouraged.

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