Surveillance of Acute Flaccid Paralysis in Italy (1997–2007)
Author Information
Author(s): D'Errico Marcello M, Barbadoro Pamela, Bacelli Sonia, Esposto Elisabetta, Moroni Vania, Scaccia Federica, Tantucci Luana, Prospero Emilia
Primary Institution: Università Politecnica delle Marche
Hypothesis
The study aims to describe and evaluate 11 years of active surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in the Marches region of Italy.
Conclusion
The surveillance activity is satisfactory, but improvements are needed in biological sample collection and follow-up reporting.
Supporting Evidence
- 27 cases of acute flaccid paralysis were reported over 11 years.
- 44.5% of cases were diagnosed with Guillain-Barrè syndrome.
- Surveillance index met WHO targets only in 2002.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well Italy has been watching for cases of a serious illness called acute flaccid paralysis, which can be caused by polio. They found that while they are doing a good job, there are still some things they can do better.
Methodology
Active surveillance of AFP was conducted through a network of 15 hospital centers in the Marches region, with clinical and laboratory testing of cases.
Limitations
Some criticalities in biological sample collection and follow-up reporting were noted.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of AFP cases was 7 years, with 37% under 5 years, 37% between 5 and 10 years, and 26% between 10 and 15 years; there were 15 males and 12 females.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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