Poliomyelitis and Spina Bifida

Abstract

Poliomyelitis is a disease of the warmer climates. It is caused by the poliomyelitis virus which is only seen by the electron microscope. Three main strains of it are known, namely, Leon, Lancing, and the Brunhide. The poliomyelitis virus gains entry through the oropharynx, when it can be isolated in the pharynx and feces in the preparalytic and postparalytic stages. The actual invasion of the central nervous system takes place along nerve pathways proximally along a nerve to the spinal cord. There is usually an onset of meningitic symptoms which may vary from slight paresis to the severe meningitic case, which eventually recovers without any muscular weakness. Certain factors are known to precipitate paralysis, for example, injections or trauma, or even recent tonsillectomy increases the frequency of bulbar paralysis.