Polio is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, which can lead to paralysis and in severe cases, death. It primarily affects children and is preventable through vaccination.
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The poliovirus is a member of the Enterovirus genus within the Picornaviridae family.
Polio can be spread through fecal-oral transmission or, less commonly, via contaminated water and food.
There are three serotypes of poliovirus: PV1, PV2, and PV3; all can cause paralysis.
The Salk vaccine (IPV) uses an inactivated virus while the Sabin vaccine (OPV) uses a live attenuated virus.
Antiviral drugs for polio are not currently available; prevention relies heavily on immunization.
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Related terms
Enterovirus: A genus of viruses that includes poliovirus and other pathogens causing various diseases.
Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV): A type of polio vaccine that uses a killed version of the virus to induce immunity.