Update on PHI-funded Research - Antonio Toniolo, MD

Antonio Toniolo, MD, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy, investigated polio survivors diagnosed with PPS, their family members, and control individuals. The three poliovirus types were searched for in blood leukocytes, cerebrospinal fluid, and other tissue samples. 86% PPS patients were poliovirus-positive vs. 3.7% of controls. Type 1 poliovirus was most prevalent. Results suggest that slow-acting poliovirus can persist in PPS patients. Data show that poliovirus is not transmitted to family members of PPS patients, a finding of obvious interest. It is hoped that virology methods will allow identifying individuals at risk for PPS and treat them with antivirals preventing the disease or for blocking its progression. This presentation was given at PHI's 11th International Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, June 3, 2014. For the latest updates, see PHI's Research page.