[The role of the National Polio Laboratory and the network of Sub-National Laboratories in the eradication of poliomyelitis in Spain].

The aim of this paper was to describe the activities carried out by the National Poliovirus Laboratory (LNP) and the Spanish Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) Surveillance Network. The LNP coordinates the network since 1998 and is responsible for the characterization of polioviruses (PV) and other enteroviruses (EV) detected, using cell culture and molecular methods. It is annually accredited by WHO and represents Spain in the World Health Organization European Polio Laboratory Network. In addition to the reported AFP cases, the network has analyzed since its creation an average of 9,000 clinical samples annually for EV, with a 7% of positive results. Two surveillance periods can be distinguished in Spain: from 1998 to 2004, when vaccine PV could be detected due to the use of the oral polio vaccine, and from 2005 onwards, when only three cases of imported vaccine-derived poliovirus have been identified following the introduction of the inactivated polio vaccine. In addition, between 70% and 85% of the EV samples received at the LNP are successfully genotyped. The work carried out by the lab network has contributed to the epidemiological and clinical surveillance and research of these infections, as well as to the rapid detection and characterization of imported poliomyelitis cases. This has facilitated the timely implementation of appropriate measures to prevent PV transmission and circulation in our country, in alignment with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.