Non-polio Enterovirus detection with acute flaccid paralysis: A systematic review

Abstract

Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is characterized by an acute onset of limb weakness. In the post-polio era, other enterovirus (EV) serotypes associated with AFP may become more prominent. This study aims to collate the data on the non-polio enteroviruses (NPEV) associated with AFP. A systematic review of published case reports, case series, and surveillance studies of AFP from 1960 through 2017 was undertaken. Data were collected including the country of the study, number of specimens positive for NPEV and available clinical data. The majority of studies originated from Asia. In surveillance studies, EV 71 (a serotype of Enterovirus A) was the most commonly detected serotype with AFP, followed by Enterovirus B serotype echovirus 11 and then Enterovirus B serotype echovirus 11. In case studies and case reports, EV 71 and EV 68 (a serotype of Enterovirus D), were the most commonly detected NPEV. As poliovirus eradication continues, there is a need to ensure that AFP surveillance will also detect other potentially vaccine preventable viruses.

Keywords: acute flaccid paralysis (AFP); pathogenesis (nervous system); systematic review.