Poliomyelitis is caused by what type of infectious agent?

• A. Viral infection
• B. Bacterial infection
• C. Fungal infection
• D. Parasitic infection

Answer: (A)

Poliomyelitis is a viral infection. The disease is caused by poliovirus, a non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus in the Enterovirus group. It spreads mainly by the fecal-oral route and can invade motor neurons in the spinal cord, which in some cases leads to acute flaccid paralysis. This is distinct from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections, which are caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites respectively and are treated with appropriate antimicrobials or antiparasitics. Because it’s a virus, prevention relies on vaccination rather than antibiotics, and management is typically supportive.