Polio Research Paper
Ocean County College
Department of Biology
The Poliovirus
Submitted By,
Stephen Gorda
Date Submitted: 5-2-12
Course: Biology- 162
Instructor: Prof. Estelle Abstract The poliovirus is one of the most transmittable and most contagious viruses that the human population has come in contact with. The structure of the poliovirus allows it to be able to bind to motor neuron cells within a host’s body and reproduce quickly. Like all virus’s, the poliovirus requires a host to survive. Humans are the primary hosts for the virus and the virus is extremely transmittable by way of person-person contact (most commonly fecal-oral contact). Although the virus is extremely contagious, the human immune response can be considered a very worthy advisory in fighting polio. Most of those infected will not experience any symptoms, and only a very small percentage of those who do will develop paralysis from the virus. There are three known strands of the poliovirus, commonly referred to as PV1, PV2, and PV3. Brilliant research and modern science have since almost eradicated the virus through the development of vaccines and a global eradication plan. Despite the success of scientists, containing the virus still remains pertinent due to the virus’s ability to mutate. The virus’s ability to “drift” and mutate has led to many polio cases caused by the vaccinations themselves.
Introduction The study of the poliovirus has led to a better understanding of all viruses, as well as a worldwide polio eradication goal that is considered extremely successful. Today the U.S. sees approximately eight paralytic polio cases a year; a suburb achievement considering that 21,000 cases of paralytic polio were
Department of Biology
The Poliovirus
Submitted By,
Stephen Gorda
Date Submitted: 5-2-12
Course: Biology- 162
Instructor: Prof. Estelle Abstract The poliovirus is one of the most transmittable and most contagious viruses that the human population has come in contact with. The structure of the poliovirus allows it to be able to bind to motor neuron cells within a host’s body and reproduce quickly. Like all virus’s, the poliovirus requires a host to survive. Humans are the primary hosts for the virus and the virus is extremely transmittable by way of person-person contact (most commonly fecal-oral contact). Although the virus is extremely contagious, the human immune response can be considered a very worthy advisory in fighting polio. Most of those infected will not experience any symptoms, and only a very small percentage of those who do will develop paralysis from the virus. There are three known strands of the poliovirus, commonly referred to as PV1, PV2, and PV3. Brilliant research and modern science have since almost eradicated the virus through the development of vaccines and a global eradication plan. Despite the success of scientists, containing the virus still remains pertinent due to the virus’s ability to mutate. The virus’s ability to “drift” and mutate has led to many polio cases caused by the vaccinations themselves.
Introduction The study of the poliovirus has led to a better understanding of all viruses, as well as a worldwide polio eradication goal that is considered extremely successful. Today the U.S. sees approximately eight paralytic polio cases a year; a suburb achievement considering that 21,000 cases of paralytic polio were
References: Continued The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/11/world/africa/11polio.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref= “The Polio Virus.” http://www.marchofdimes.ca/EN/programs/PolioCanada/Documents/getting_to_know.pdf “Polio Basics.” http://www.kidrisk.org/mainFrame/polioinfo.html