Causes of Poliomyelitis

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Polio is caused by a picornavirus (very small RNA virus). This is one of a group of viruses known as the enteroviruses, because they inhabit the intestine (the Greek word enteron means intestine). These viruses are passed out in the stools (faeces) in large numbers for up to six weeks after the start of the illness.

The front (anterior) pole cells of the spinal cord are concerned with the nerves to the voluntary muscles (motor nerves), and it is these cells that are affected, causing paralysis that may be extensive. Myelitis means inflammation of the spinal cord. This is why the full name of the disease is anterior poliomyelitis.

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