Question 1

Which of the following best describes the genome and family classification of the causative agent of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection?

Accepted Answer

Single-stranded RNA genome, Pneumoviridae family

Question 2

A 2-month-old premature infant is admitted with severe wheezing, coughing, and fever during the winter. Which of the following is the most likely causative agent?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Question 3

Which of the following is the most effective current prevention strategy for RSV in high-risk infants?

Accepted Answer

Antibody injections (passive immunization)

Question 4

RSV is most dangerous for which of the following populations?

Accepted Answer

Premature infants and immunocompromised patients

Question 5

Which of the following statements about RSV vaccines is correct?

Accepted Answer

There are about 60 RSV vaccine candidates in development, but none are fully approved yet.

Question 6

A pediatrician is counseling parents about RSV. Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the transmission and prevention of RSV?

Accepted Answer

RSV is transmitted by respiratory droplets and fomites; hand washing and sanitary practices are important for prevention.

Question 7

During which time of year are most RSV cases observed in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Fall through early spring

Question 8

A researcher is studying the incubation period of RSV. If a child is exposed to RSV on January 1st, during which date range is the child most likely to develop symptoms?

Accepted Answer

January 5th to January 7th

Question 9

Which of the following symptoms is most characteristic of RSV infection in young children?

Accepted Answer

Wheezing, coughing, and fever

Question 10

A hospital is considering implementing a new protocol to reduce RSV transmission. Which of the following interventions would be most effective?

Accepted Answer

Enforcing strict hand hygiene and cleaning of surfaces

Question 11

If the basic reproduction number ($$R_0) $$for RSV in a daycare is 4, what percentage of children would need to be immune (either by vaccine or antibody injection) to prevent sustained transmission? Use the formula $$p_c = 1 - \frac{1}{R_0$}.$$

Accepted Answer

$$p_c = 1 - \frac{1}{4} = 0.75 or 75$$%

Question 12

A premature infant in the NICU is given a monoclonal antibody preparation for RSV. This is an example of which type of immunity?

Accepted Answer

Passive artificial immunity

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why RSV is considered endemic among children under age 5?

Accepted Answer

It is consistently present and causes regular outbreaks in this age group.

Question 14

A 4-year-old child presents with coughing, sneezing, and fever. The physician suspects RSV. Which of the following would be the most likely method of laboratory diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Detection of viral RNA by RT-PCR from a nasopharyngeal swab

Question 15

Which of the following is a unique risk factor for severe RSV disease?

Accepted Answer

Premature birth

Question 16

If a new RSV vaccine is approved and has an efficacy of 80%, and the $$R_0$$ for RSV is 4, what is the minimum vaccination coverage ($$C) $$needed to achieve herd immunity? Use the formula $$C = \frac{p_c}{E}$$, where $$p_c = 1 - \frac{1}{R_0$}$$ and $$E is $$efficacy.

Accepted Answer

$$C = \frac{0.75}{0.8} = 0.9375 or 93.75$$%

Summary Table of Infectious Diseases: Causative Agents, Transmission, Virulence, and Prevention

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