Polio type 2 and 3 eradication: Relevance to the immunity status of individuals living in Germany, 2005–2020.

• The rate of serum samples exclusively negative for PV2 and PV3 was about 3–10%. • Highest rates of isolated negative samples were found in <18 and ≥65 years of age. • We recommend continued testing of both poliovirus types (PV1 and PV3). Since October 2019, poliovirus type 3 (PV3) has been certified as globally eradicated, and further laboratory use of PV3 will be restricted according to the WHO Polio Eradication Initiative and containment measures. To examine a possible gap in PV3 immunity and a lack of immunity against poliovirus type 2 (PV2), which was already declared as eradicated in 2015, neutralising antibodies against polioviruses (PV) of individuals living in Germany (n = 91,530 samples; mainly outpatients (≈90%) who received immune status testing) were investigated from 2005 to 2020 (age distribution: <18 years 15.8%, 18–64 years 71.2% and ≥65 years 9.5% for 2005–2015; <18 years 19.6%, 18–64 years 67% and ≥65 years 11.5% for 2016–2020). The results showed that the proportion of sera exclusively lacking antibodies against PV3 was 10.6% in 2005–2015 and 9.6% in 2016–2020 and against PV2 2.8% in 2005–2015. As there is decreased protection against PV3 and to detect potential antigenically (immune escape) variant PVs not covered by used vaccines, we recommend continued testing of PV1 and PV3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]