PARALYTIC POLIOMYELITIS IN A CHILD WITH HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA: PROBABLE IMPLICATION OF TYPE I VACCINE STRAIN

Abstract

1. An instance of paralytic poliomyelitis developing 7 weeks after administration of live type I poliomyelitis virus vaccine in a child with hypogammaglobulinemia is described. 2. The strain of virus isolated from pharyngeal washings and stool possessed the characteristics of "vaccine-like" strain. No other enteroviruses were detected. 3. Antibodies of diphtheria, the 3 serological types of poliomyelitis virus, and a number of other viruses could not be demonstrated despite apparent adequate "immunization" to some of these agents. 4. Histological studies revealed a marked activity in the reparative process in the spinal cord and a conspicuous absence of secondary lymph follicles throughout the body. 5. It is suggested that live vaccines be administered to patients with a significant degree of gamma-globulin deficiency with great caution. The possibility of the simultaneous administration of a properly selected dose of specific antibody or gamma-globulin deserves consideration in such instances.