Molecular characterization of non-polio enteroviruses isolated from acute flaccid paralysis patients in Uganda

Enteroviruses (EVs) are RNA viruses that can cause many clinical syndromes including acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). Within the global polio laboratory network, EVs are categorized either as polioviruses or non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs). Specific NPEVs have been described in polio-like residual paralytic events in AFP patients. Retrospective analysis of 112 NPEV isolates from AFP patients was performed and thirty one NPEV types were identified of which 91% were Enterovirus B and 9% were Enterovirus A species. The NPEVs were distributed across the country with most patients in the eastern region (41/89; 46.1%). The highest proportion of patients were children less than 5 years (77/89; 86.5%) and male patients were more common (54/89; 60.7%). Echovirus 11 (11/89; 12.4%) was frequently observed and phylogenetic analysis of these sequences revealed high diversity. Coxsackievirus B5 (CV-B5), CV-B6, E21, and EV-B69 were only seen in patients with residual paralysis. Analyses of the EV-A71 sequence indicated a unique genogroup.

Automated summary

Retrospective analysis of 112 NPEV isolates from AFP patients identified 31 different NPEV types, with most being Enterovirus B. Patients were mainly located in the eastern region and were primarily children under 5 years old, with more male patients. Echovirus 11 was frequently observed, and a unique genogroup was indicated in the analysis of EV-A71 sequences.