Question 1

Which of the following best explains why negative-sense single-stranded RNA (−ssRNA) viruses must carry their own RNA-dependent RNA polymerase within the virion?

Accepted Answer

Because host ribosomes cannot directly translate −ssRNA into protein

Question 2

A child presents with a sudden high fever, sore throat, and small blister-like sores in the mouth. Which virus is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Coxsackie A virus

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the oral polio vaccine (OPV) is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

It is a live-attenuated vaccine that can rarely revert to a virulent form

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the pathogenesis of influenza virus infection?

Accepted Answer

Destruction of epithelial cells lining the lungs, increasing susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections

Question 5

A patient develops severe chest pain, fever, and is diagnosed with pleurodynia. Which virus is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Coxsackie B virus

Question 6

Which of the following is a key reason why rotaviral deaths are more rare in developed nations than in developing countries?

Accepted Answer

Access to clean water and oral rehydration therapy

Question 7

Which of the following viruses is most commonly associated with outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis on cruise ships?

Accepted Answer

Norovirus

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why handwashing is the most important preventive measure for rhinovirus infections?

Accepted Answer

Rhinoviruses are most commonly transmitted by direct person-to-person contact

Question 9

A patient presents with jaundice, fatigue, and dark urine two months after traveling to a region with poor sanitation. The infection is self-limiting but can be fatal in pregnant women. Which virus is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis E virus

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which HIV evades the immune system?

Accepted Answer

High mutation rate of gp120 leads to antigenic variation

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the transmission of arboviruses?

Accepted Answer

They are transmitted to humans by arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks

Question 12

A child develops a bark-like cough and stridor, especially at night. Which virus is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Parainfluenza virus (HPIV-1 or HPIV-2)

Question 13

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of arenaviruses when viewed under an electron microscope?

Accepted Answer

They appear sandy due to the presence of ribosomes

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why hepatitis D virus (HDV) requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) to be virulent?

Accepted Answer

HDV cannot attach to liver cells without HBV

Question 15

Which of the following is the primary method of preventing rabies in humans?

Accepted Answer

Vaccination of domestic animals

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the replication cycle of HIV?

Accepted Answer

Reverse transcriptase synthesizes dsDNA from ssRNA, which is then integrated into the host genome

Question 17

Which of the following viruses is most likely to cause subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) as a rare complication?

Accepted Answer

Measles virus

Question 18

Which of the following is the most common cause of fatal respiratory disease in infants and young children?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why supportive care is the main treatment for Ebola virus infection?

Accepted Answer

There are no widely available, effective antiviral drugs for Ebola

Question 20

Which of the following is a key reason why new strains of influenza virus frequently emerge?

Accepted Answer

Mutations in the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes

Pathogenic RNA Viruses: Structure, Classification, and Human Diseases

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