Understanding Poliovirus and Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a disease caused by the poliovirus, leading to paralysis. Historical outbreaks, such as the 1916 epidemic in New York, highlighted its severity. Discoveries by scientists like Ivar Wickman and Karl Landsteiner identified polio as a viral infection. The development of the iron lung helped patients with respiratory paralysis. Polio is caused by three serotypes of polioviruses, transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Most infections are asymptomatic, but some lead to paralysis. Vaccination efforts have significantly reduced polio cases worldwide, with the U.S. being polio-free since 1979.

What is the primary cause of poliomyelitis?

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Poliovirus

• Parasites

Who discovered that polio is caused by a virus?

• Alexander Fleming

• Karl Landsteiner and Erwin Popper

• Ivar Wickman

• Louis Pasteur

What device was developed to help patients with respiratory paralysis due to polio?

• CPAP machine

• Oxygen mask

• Iron lung

• Ventilator

How many serotypes of poliovirus are known to cause poliomyelitis?

• One

• Three

• Four

• Two

What percentage of people infected with poliovirus show no visible symptoms?

• 70%

• 50%

• 30%

• 10%

What is post-polio syndrome?

• A condition where symptoms return years after initial infection

• A treatment method for polio

• A type of vaccine

• A new infection of poliovirus

In which type of areas are polioviruses endemic?

• Areas with good sanitation

• Areas with poor sanitation and crowding

• Rural areas

• Desert regions

What is the main type of care provided for poliovirus infections?

• Supportive care

• Antibiotics

• Surgery

• Chemotherapy

Which type of polio vaccine is administered orally?

• Subunit vaccine

• Live attenuated vaccine

• Oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV)

• Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)

As of 2020, which countries are still affected by poliovirus 1?

• India and China

• Pakistan and Afghanistan

• Mexico and Canada

• Nigeria and Brazil