RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Fetal damage after accidental polio vaccination of an immune mother JF The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners JO J R Coll Gen Pract FD British Journal of General Practice SP 390 OP 394 VO 34 IS 264 A1 A. E. Burton A1 E. T. Robinson A1 W. F. Harper A1 E. J. Bell A1 J. F. Boyd YR 1984 UL http://bjgp.org/content/34/264/390.abstract AB Irreparable damage to the anterior horn cells of the cervical and thoracic cord was found in a 20-week-old fetus whose mother was immune to poliomyelitis before conceiving but who was inadvertently given oral polio vaccine at 18 weeks gestation. Polio neutralizing antibody titres in sera, taken before and after pregnancy, were identical and were at levels normally regarded as providing protection. Unsuccessful attempts were made to isolate poliovirus from extracts of fetal brain, lung, liver and placenta. Fluorescent antibody tests were performed on various levels of the central nervous system and on the left and right extensor forearm muscles. Specific positive fluorescence to poliovirus 2 and 3 antigens was detected at dorsal spinal cord level only. One positive result was seen with Coxsackie A9 antiserum and fresh guinea-pig complement in the inflammatory cells in the right extensor forearm muscles. This experience, as yet unexplained, underlines the importance of ensuring that women are not pregnant prior to oral polio vaccination.