Excretion of Poliomyelitis Virus. ∗

Abstract

Summary

Poliomyelitis virus when applied to the central end of a divided branch of the trigeminal nerve in the cheek travels centripetally to the corresponding semilunar ganglion within three days. Centrifugal spredd to the nasopharyngeal surfaces, which are supplied by the trigeminal nerve, was demonstrated by detection of virus in the nasopharyngeal washings on the third and fourth days. Virus was also found in the stools on the fourth but not on the third day, suggesting that it had been swallowed. It is suspected that excretion, like invasion, of poliomyelitis virus occurs through axonal channels.