Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why influenza pandemics are difficult to predict?

Accepted Answer

Influenza viruses have a segmented RNA genome that allows for genetic reassortment, leading to the emergence of novel strains.

Question 2

Which of the following antiviral proteins produced by IFN-stimulated genes (ISG) prevents cell entry by blocking the virus’ fusion with the cellular membrane?

Accepted Answer

IFITM3

Question 3

A patient presents with fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and a maculopapular rash. Which virus is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Measles virus (MeV)

Question 4

Which of the following is a unique feature of measles virus (MeV) pathogenesis compared to influenza?

Accepted Answer

Induction of immunological amnesia by replacing old memory B lymphocytes with MeV-specific lymphocytes

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the genome of influenza A virus?

Accepted Answer

Single-stranded, negative-sense RNA with 8 segments

Question 6

Which of the following factors is most likely to increase the severity of influenza infection during the second phase of pathogenesis?

Accepted Answer

Obesity and underlying conditions

Question 7

Which protein in the influenza virion is responsible for receptor binding and entry into host cells?

Accepted Answer

Haemagglutinin (HA)

Question 8

A child develops encephalitis after a measles infection. What is the most likely mechanism for this complication?

Accepted Answer

Direct viral invasion of the central nervous system

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why measles outbreaks can occur rapidly in unvaccinated populations?

Accepted Answer

Measles virus has a high basic reproduction number ($$R_0) $$estimated at 12–18

Question 10

Which of the following is a critical function of the adaptive immune response in resolving influenza infection?

Accepted Answer

Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells clear infected cells and B cells produce neutralizing antibodies

Question 11

Which of the following statements about the measles vaccine is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a live attenuated vaccine that provides durable immunity

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of HLA polymorphism in influenza infection?

Accepted Answer

It influences susceptibility to severe disease by affecting antigen presentation

Question 13

Which of the following is a common complication of measles in children from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)?

Accepted Answer

Blindness linked to vitamin A deficiency

Question 14

Which of the following antiviral drugs is used to treat influenza infections?

Accepted Answer

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why antibody responses to influenza infection in naive individuals are robust and highly durable?

Accepted Answer

The immune system generates high-affinity antibodies against HA, NA, NP, and M1 antigens

Question 16

Which of the following is a long-term complication of measles infection?

Accepted Answer

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the structure of paramyxoviruses is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are enveloped viruses with a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the neuraminidase (NA) protein in the influenza virion?

Accepted Answer

It facilitates the release of new virions from infected cells by cleaving sialic acid residues

Question 19

Which of the following is a reason why surveillance is critical for pandemic influenza preparedness?

Accepted Answer

Pandemic strains can emerge unpredictably due to genetic reassortment

Respiratory Viruses: Influenza & Measles – Structure, Pathogenesis, Immunity, and Control

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards