Question 1

Which of the following best describes the replication strategy of a positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) virus?

Accepted Answer

The viral RNA acts directly as mRNA and is translated by host ribosomes.

Question 2

A patient presents with acute onset of fever, sore throat, and a rash of flat, pink to red spots. Laboratory tests confirm the presence of an enveloped, positive-sense ssRNA virus. Which virus is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Rubella virus

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the transmission of poliovirus is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, often through contaminated water.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key reason why handwashing is effective in preventing the spread of rhinovirus?

Accepted Answer

Rhinovirus is most commonly transmitted by direct person-to-person contact.

Question 5

A child develops herpangina and hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Which virus is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Coxsackie A virus

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why hepatitis D virus (HDV) requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) for infection?

Accepted Answer

HDV cannot attach to liver cells without HBV envelope proteins.

Question 7

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of retroviruses compared to other RNA viruses?

Accepted Answer

They use reverse transcriptase to synthesize DNA from their RNA genome.

Question 8

A patient is diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Which of the following statements about the causative agent is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is an enveloped, helical +ssRNA virus transmitted via large respiratory droplets.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the process of antigenic shift in influenza viruses?

Accepted Answer

Reassortment of genome segments between different influenza viruses infecting the same cell.

Question 10

A laboratory worker is exposed to blood from a patient with Ebola virus. Which of the following best describes the pathogenesis of Ebola virus infection?

Accepted Answer

The virus attacks macrophages and liver cells, causing uncontrolled bleeding and high mortality.

Question 11

Which of the following is the most common cause of infantile gastroenteritis worldwide, and what is the primary method of prevention?

Accepted Answer

Rotavirus; vaccination

Question 12

A patient with a history of intravenous drug use develops chronic hepatitis and is at risk for liver failure. Which virus is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis C virus

Question 13

Which of the following viruses is most commonly associated with zoonotic transmission via mosquitoes and can cause encephalitis in humans?

Accepted Answer

Togavirus

Question 14

A child presents with croup, characterized by inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. Which virus is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Parainfluenza virus

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why patients with influenza are more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections?

Accepted Answer

Influenza virus destroys the epithelial lining of the lungs.

Question 16

A patient develops neurological symptoms, including hydrophobia, after being bitten by a bat. Which virus is responsible, and what is the best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Rabies virus; immediate administration of immune globulin and vaccination

Question 17

Which of the following statements about HIV is correct?

Accepted Answer

HIV uses reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA genome into DNA, which integrates into the host genome.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of gp120 in HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

It binds to CD4 receptors on host T cells, facilitating viral entry.

Question 19

A patient presents with severe pneumonia after exposure to dried mouse urine in a rural area. Which virus is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Hantavirus

Question 20

Which of the following viruses is associated with the formation of multinucleate syncytia in infected tissues, aiding in immune evasion?

Accepted Answer

Paramyxoviridae

Pathogenic RNA Viruses: Structure, Classification, and Human Diseases

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