Ndack Ndiaye from the Pasteur Institute in Senegal gave a presentation at London Calling 2024 on the “Molecular epidemiology of Enterovirus A71 in Senegal between 2013-2021.” Ndiaye started by providing information about enteroviruses: these positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses continue to re-emerge and have unpredictable pathogenic properties. These viruses are associated with flaccid paralysis. Ndiaye noted that enterovirus A71 is highly neurotropic. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) associated with EV-A71 is extremely infectious and pathogenic. Three inactivated vaccines have been approved and are available in China. Ndiaye’s study provided information to address the gap in molecular epidemiology in Senegal. Samples were taken from acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) during environmental surveillance. RT-qPCR was used to identify Enterovirus A71. Capsid amplification was verified by gel electrophoresis. The Rapid Barcoding 96 kit was used along with the Midnight RT kit. Minion MIN106D R9.4.1 flow cells were used on a GridION. PCR cleanup, DNA quantification, barcoding PCR, cleanup and pooling, end-prep/dA tailing, adapter, and cleanup were completed. The detection rate was 1.9% (10/521). There was 40% higher ratio recorded in 2016. The Genogroup C and subgroups C1 and C2 seem to be indigenous in the country.
