Tests
Tests to consider
virus culture from stool, CSF, or pharynx
Test
Result
Test
Demonstrates presence of virus being shed from the gastrointestinal tract; does not indicate paralytic poliomyelitis.[1]
Result
isolation of poliovirus
PCR plus sequencing
Test
Result
Test
PCR combined with sequencing of the VP1 genome region is highly sensitive for detecting poliovirus.
Result
detection of poliovirus
CSF analysis
Test
Result
Test
Nonspecific finding in active infection.[1]
Result
increased protein and lymphocytosis
serum antibodies to poliovirus
Test
Result
Test
Nonspecific for active infection.[1]
Result
present
MRI of spinal cord
Test
Result
Test
May help to assess anterior horn involvement and inflammation of spinal cord as well as to rule out other conditions.[1]
Result
anterior horn abnormalities
electromyelogram (EMG) of affected limb
Test
Result
Test
May be useful in paralytic poliomyelitis and in postpoliomyelitis syndrome.[43]
Result
decreased motor function
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