What are the potential routes for poliovirus to reach the central nervous system (CNS)?

Study for the Poliovirus and Poliomyelitis Test. Prepare with engaging flashcards and detailed multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

What are the potential routes for poliovirus to reach the central nervous system (CNS)?

Explanation:
Poliovirus can reach the central nervous system mainly through two pathways. First, during viremia, the virus circulating in the blood can cross the blood–brain barrier and infect CNS tissue. Second, and also important, the virus can spread along peripheral nerves into the CNS by transneuronal transport, moving from infected neurons toward central neurons via retrograde axonal transport. These routes explain CNS invasion after initial enteric replication. Routes like lymphatic drainage or direct skin penetration aren’t how the virus typically reaches the CNS.

Poliovirus can reach the central nervous system mainly through two pathways. First, during viremia, the virus circulating in the blood can cross the blood–brain barrier and infect CNS tissue. Second, and also important, the virus can spread along peripheral nerves into the CNS by transneuronal transport, moving from infected neurons toward central neurons via retrograde axonal transport. These routes explain CNS invasion after initial enteric replication. Routes like lymphatic drainage or direct skin penetration aren’t how the virus typically reaches the CNS.

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