Which of the following samples most likely contains a double-stranded RNA virus?

• A. A cerebrospinal fluid sample with Poliovirus
• B. A blood sample containing Hepatitis B virus
• C. A throat swab positive for Influenza A virus
• D. A stool sample testing positive for Rotavirus

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the types of viral genomes. Viruses can have genomes made of DNA or RNA, and RNA viruses can be single-stranded (ssRNA) or double-stranded (dsRNA).
2. Step 2: Identify the genome type of each virus mentioned: Poliovirus is a single-stranded RNA virus, Hepatitis B virus is a DNA virus, Influenza A virus is a single-stranded RNA virus, and Rotavirus is a double-stranded RNA virus.
3. Step 3: Recognize that the question asks which sample contains a double-stranded RNA virus, so focus on the virus known to have a dsRNA genome.
4. Step 4: Recall that Rotavirus is the classic example of a double-stranded RNA virus and is commonly found in stool samples, which matches the sample type given.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the stool sample testing positive for Rotavirus most likely contains a double-stranded RNA virus, based on the known viral genome types and sample sources.