Question 1

Which of the following best explains why positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) viruses can immediately begin protein synthesis upon entering a host cell?

Accepted Answer

Their RNA genome can serve directly as mRNA for translation by host ribosomes.

Question 2

A 5-year-old child presents with fever, sore throat, and small blisters in the mouth. Which virus is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Coxsackie A virus

Question 3

Which of the following is a key difference between the Salk (IPV) and Sabin (OPV) polio vaccines?

Accepted Answer

OPV can induce herd immunity, while IPV cannot.

Question 4

A patient develops jaundice, dark urine, and abdominal pain 6 weeks after returning from a trip to a region with poor sanitation. The infection is self-limiting and does not cause chronic liver disease. Which virus is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis A virus

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the pathogenesis of rabies virus after a bite from an infected animal?

Accepted Answer

The virus attaches to nerve cells and travels to the central nervous system, causing brain degeneration.

Question 6

Which of the following viruses is most commonly associated with outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in day care centers and nursing homes?

Accepted Answer

Norovirus

Question 7

A patient presents with high fever, chills, headache, and myalgia. Laboratory tests confirm infection with an orthomyxovirus. Which of the following best describes the genetic structure of this virus?

Accepted Answer

Segmented, negative-sense single-stranded RNA genome

Question 8

Which of the following is a major reason why HIV is difficult for the immune system to control?

Accepted Answer

HIV has high antigenic variability due to frequent mutations during reverse transcription.

Question 9

A 7-year-old child develops a widespread skin rash, cough, and Koplik's spots in the mouth. Which virus is responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Measles virus (Morbillivirus)

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why dengue hemorrhagic fever is more likely to occur after a second infection with a different serotype of dengue virus?

Accepted Answer

Antibodies from the first infection enhance viral entry into host cells during the second infection.

Question 11

Which of the following is the primary vector for West Nile Encephalitis?

Accepted Answer

Culex mosquitoes

Question 12

A patient with AIDS is at increased risk for which of the following opportunistic infections?

Accepted Answer

Pneumocystis pneumonia

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of reverse transcriptase in retroviruses?

Accepted Answer

It synthesizes DNA from an RNA template.

Question 14

A 3-year-old child develops severe diarrhea and dehydration. Laboratory tests confirm infection with a double-stranded RNA virus. Which virus is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Rotavirus

Question 15

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 16

A patient presents with fever, malaise, and a painful enlargement of the parotid glands. Which virus is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Mumps virus (Rubulavirus)

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the oral polio vaccine (OPV) is not recommended for immunocompromised patients?

Accepted Answer

OPV can mutate to a disease-causing form and cause polio in immunocompromised individuals.

Question 18

Which of the following is the most effective method for preventing the spread of rhinovirus infections?

Accepted Answer

Frequent handwashing

Question 19

A patient develops fever, rash, and encephalitis after being bitten by a mosquito in North America. Which virus is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

La Crosse encephalitis virus

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of viral protease in the maturation of HIV?

Accepted Answer

It cleaves viral polyproteins to produce mature, functional viral proteins.

Pathogenic RNA Viruses: Structure, Transmission, and Disease Manifestations

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