1.
A 10-month-old boy is brought to an outpatient clinic by his mother. The child has been sneezing, has a cough, and his nose is constantly running. There is no evidence of fever, pharyngeal inflammation or lower respiratory tract involvement. It is late February and the regional health authorities have requested that physicians provide them with nasopharyngeal samples for an epidemiological study. A nasopharyngeal aspirate is collected and sent to the regional health authorities. The virology lab establishes that this sample contained an enveloped, segmented, negative-polarity, single-stranded RNA virus, approximately 100 nm in diameter. What is the most likely etiology for this infant’s illness?
Correct Answer
D. An orthomyxovirus
Explanation
Influenza A virus, which is the main etiological agent responsible for the flu, is an enveloped segmented (-) ssRNA virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family; Influenzaviruses: • Orthomyxoviridae • Segmented (7-8) (-) ssRNA • Enveloped spherical • 120 nm • Many types characterized by their hemagglutinin (15 HA recognized subtypes) and neuraminidase (9 recognized NA subtypes) • Seasonality: Winter to early spring • Wide host range (birds, swine, humans)
2.
A fourteen-year-old female student consults for a sore throat and signs of coryza. Her symptoms are caused by a pleiomorphic, enveloped, positive-polarity, single-stranded RNA virus. What is the most likely etiology of this student’s illness?
Correct Answer
D. A coronavirus
Explanation
VIRAL COLD SYNDROME Etiology The plurality of common colds is due to rhinoviruses (30-50%, sometimes more). Other etiological agents include coronaviruses (10-15%), influenzaviruses A (5-15%; especially in children) and B, RSV (5%), other human parainfluenzaviruses (5%; HPIV-1, HPIV-2, HPIV-3 & HPIV-4), enteroviruses (<5%), adenoviruses (<5%; types 1, 2, 5, & 6 are endemic, types 4, 7, 14 & 21 cause epidemics, whereas type 3 is both), and metapneumoviruses. Other systemic viral infections can present with similar upper respiratory tract symptoms, but these are usually followed by other, more characteristic, symptoms. These include measles, or rubeola, (Morbillivirus, Paramyxoviridae), rubella (Rubivirus, Togaviridae) and mumps (Rubulavirus, Paramyxoviridae).
Spearmint Rhino is a club in vegas with NAKED women.
the Rhino virus is NAKED
Coronaviruses:
• Coronaviridae = (+) ssRNA • Enveloped PLEOMORPHIC • 100 nm to 150 nm
• 2 antigenic groups (229E and OC43)
• Seasonality: Winter or spring
• Narrow host range (humans)
Rhinoviruses:
• Picornaviridae • (+) ssRNA • NAKED icosahedral capsid • 30 nm
• >100 serotypes in 3 groups based on receptor specificity
• Seasonality: Mostly early fall and late spring (but rhinoviruses still account for half of the colds during the SUMMER…)
• Narrow host range (primates)
3.
A 7-year-old boy presents to an outpatient clinic accompanied by his mother. The child is sneezing and coughing and has a runny nose, sore throat, but no fever. What are the characteristics of the most likely etiology?
Correct Answer
C. Naked, (+) ssRNA
Explanation
VIRAL COLD SYNDROME Etiology The plurality of common colds is due to rhinoviruses (30-50%, sometimes more). Other etiological agents include coronaviruses (10-15%), influenzaviruses A (5-15%; especially in children) and B, RSV (5%), other human parainfluenzaviruses (5%; HPIV-1, HPIV-2, HPIV-3 & HPIV-4), enteroviruses (<5%), adenoviruses (<5%; types 1, 2, 5, & 6 are endemic, types 4, 7, 14 & 21 cause epidemics, whereas type 3 is both), and metapneumoviruses. Other systemic viral infections can present with similar upper respiratory tract symptoms, but these are usually followed by other, more characteristic, symptoms. These include measles, or rubeola, (Morbillivirus, Paramyxoviridae), rubella (Rubivirus, Togaviridae) and mumps (Rubulavirus, Paramyxoviridae). Rhinoviruses: • Picornaviridae • (+) ssRNA • NAKED icosahedral capsid • 30 nm • >100 serotypes in 3 groups based on receptor specificity • Seasonality: Mostly early fall and late spring (but rhinoviruses still account for half of the colds during the SUMMER…) • Narrow host range (primates) Enteroviruses: • Picornaviridae • (+) ssRNA • NAKED icosahedral capsid • 27 nm to 30 nm • Tens of numbered serotypes • Seasonality: Mostly SUMMER and early fall • Fairly wide host range depending on serotype (mice, primates)
4.
A 4-year-old girl presents to the emergency department accompanied by her mother. It is summer, and the child is sneezing and coughing and has a runny nose, sore throat, and a fever of 39.4C. What are the characteristics of the most likely etiology?
Correct Answer
C. Naked, (+) ssRNA,; Naked, DNA
Explanation
Rhinoviruses:
• Picornaviridae
• (+) ssRNA
• NAKED icosahedral capsid
• 30 nm
• >100 serotypes in 3 groups based on receptor specificity
• Seasonality: Mostly early fall and late spring (but rhinoviruses still account for half of the colds during the ******SUMMER ******)
• Narrow host range (primates)
Enteroviruses:
• Picornaviridae
• (+) ssRNA
• NAKED icosahedral capsid
• 27 nm to 30 nm
• Tens of numbered serotypes
• Seasonality: Mostly SUMMER and early fall
5.
A 4-year-old girl presents to the emergency department accompanied by her mother. It is summer, and the child is sneezing and coughing and has a runny nose, sore throat, and a fever of 39.4C.
To which family does that (these) virus(es) belong to?
Correct Answer
A. Adenoviridae; Picornaviridae
Explanation
Rhinoviruses:
• Picornaviridae
• (+) ssRNA
• NAKED icosahedral capsid
• 30 nm
• >100 serotypes in 3 groups based on receptor specificity
• Seasonality: Mostly early fall and late spring (but rhinoviruses still account for half of the colds during the SUMMER…)
• Narrow host range (primates)
Enteroviruses:
• Picornaviridae
• (+) ssRNA
• NAKED icosahedral capsid
• 27 nm to 30 nm
• Tens of numbered serotypes
• Seasonality: Mostly SUMMER and early fall
• Fairly wide host range depending on serotype (mice, primates)
Adenoviruses, often associated with pharyngitis, are naked dsDNA viruses of the Adenoviridae family;
Adenoviruses (types 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14 & 21):
• Adenoviridae
• Linear dsDNA
• NAKED icosahedral capsid
• 65 nm to 80 nm
• 49 serotypes
• NO SEASONALITY
• Wide host specificity
6.
A 3-year-old boy presents in late summer with a sore throat, poor appetite and a low-grade fever, followed by the appearance of painful vesicular lesions that ulcerate in the pharynx and the insides of the cheeks, and a non-itchy rash localized around the mouth, the palms of the hands and the margins of the heels.
What is the most likely etiological agent responsible for this child’s disease?
Correct Answer
C. Coxsackievirus A16
Explanation
VIRAL PHARYNGITIS SYNDROME
Etiology
Pharyngitis is often associated with the common cold and flu (influenza) and, consequently, many of the viruses that cause common colds and the flu also can cause pharyngitis. These include rhinoviruses, adenoviruses (types 3, 4, 7, 14 & 21; types 3 & 7 are associated with bilateral conjunctivitis),
enteroviruses [COXSACKIEVIRUS A (types 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 10)
and echoviruses], influenzaviruses A and B, human parainfluenzaviruses (HPIV-1, HPIV-2 & HPIV-3), coronaviruses, and RSV. Other viruses associated with pharyngitis include Epstein-Barr virus (Human herpesvirus 4 or EBV), human cytomegalovirus (Human herpesvirus 5 or CMV), herpes simplex viruses (Human herpesvirus 1 & Human herpesvirus 2 or HSV-1 & HSV-2 respectively), and Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1).
Symptoms associated with specific viral etiologies:
• Exudate (adenoviruses 3 & 7, HSV & EBV)
• Conjunctivitis (influenzaviruses A & B & adenoviruses 3 & 7)
• Influenza A and B pharyngitis is associated with the flu syndrome
• Vesicular lesions and ulcers [COXSACKIEVIRUSES (enteroviruses) cause HERPANGINA & HAND-&-FOOT-&-MOUTH DISEASE
& echoviruses (enteroviruses) also cause herpangina. HSV pharyngitis is also associated with vesicular lesions & ulcers]
7.
Comfortably sitting in your office in Cleveland, Ohio, you read, in the latest issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, of an H9N2 influenza A outbreak affecting humans in China. What is the most likely time frame until the appearance of this virus in your community?
Correct Answer
E. Unknown, if it ever appears
Explanation
The most likely time frame until the appearance of the H9N2 influenza A virus in the person's community is unknown, as stated in the answer. It is not possible to determine when or if the virus will reach their community based on the given information.
8.
A 1-year-old child is brought to the emergency department by his parents. The parents explain that their child had a cold with a cough and a runny nose, but realized that things took a turn for the worse when he started wheezing. Worried, they presented to the ED with their child. Physical examination further revealed air trapping, nasal flaring, hypoxia, and subcostal retraction. What is the most likely syndrome?
Correct Answer
C. Bronchiolitis
Explanation
BRONCHIOLITIS
Etiology
RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV) is the main virus responsible for bronchiolitis.
Other viruses associated with bronchiolitis are human metapneumoviruses, HPIVs (especially HPIV-3), influenzaviruses A and B, mumps virus, adenoviruses (types 3, 7 & 21), and rhinoviruses.
Incidence
11% (
9.
A 1-year-old child is brought to the emergency department by his parents. The parents explain that their child had a cold with a cough and a runny nose, but realized that things took a turn for the worse when he started wheezing. Worried, they presented to the ED with their child. Physical examination further revealed air trapping, nasal flaring, hypoxia, and subcostal retraction.
What is the most likely etiology?
Correct Answer
E. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Explanation
(scroll to bottom)
BRONCHIOLITIS
Etiology
RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV) is the main virus responsible for bronchiolitis.
Other viruses associated with bronchiolitis are human metapneumoviruses, HPIVs (especially HPIV-3), influenzaviruses A and B, mumps virus, adenoviruses (types 3, 7 & 21), and rhinoviruses.
Incidence
11% (
10.
A 1-year-old child is brought to the emergency department by his parents. The parents explain that their child had a cold with a cough and a runny nose, but realized that things took a turn for the worse when he started wheezing. Worried, they presented to the ED with their child. Physical examination further revealed air trapping, nasal flaring, hypoxia, and subcostal retraction.
What are the characteristics of this virus?
Correct Answer
B. Enveloped, (-) ssRNA
Explanation
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):
• Paramyxoviridae
• (-) ssRNA
• Enveloped pleomorphic
• 100 nm to 350 nm
• 2 subgroups (A and B) based on the G surface glycoprotein
• Seasonality: Mid-winter to early spring
• Wide host specificity (humans and non-primates)
11.
A 15-month-old girl presents in early fall with a fever, hoarseness, a barking cough and inspiratory stridor. What is the most likely causative agent?
Correct Answer
B. Human parainfluenza virus
Explanation
CROUP (ACUTE LARYNGOTRACHEOBRONCHITIS)
Etiology
Acute laryngotracheobronchitis, or CROUP, IS MOSTLY CAUSED BY HUMAN PARAINFLUENZA VIRUSES (3 CASES OUT OF 4).
HPIV-1, HPIV-2 and HPIV-3 are the most common culprits (mostly HPIV-1 & HPIV-3; children between 1 & 5 yoa), but other viruses are associated with acute croup: These include influenza A and B viruses (mostly influenza A; children >5 yoa), RSV (in children 5 yoa).
Incidence
10 to 20% of lower respiratory tract diseases of children
Epidemiology
• Croup is almost exclusively an illness of young children (
12.
A 15-month-old girl presents in early fall with a fever, hoarseness, a barking cough and inspiratory stridor
What description best applies to the etiological agent most likely responsible for this disease? (from question above)
Correct Answer
C. Enveloped, (-) ssRNA
Explanation
Parainfluenzaviruses:
• Paramyxoviridae
• (-) ssRNA
• Enveloped pleomorphic
• 150 nm to 200 nm
• Four types HPIV-1 to HPIV-4; no clinically relevant antigenic strains
• Seasonality: Early fall of even-numbered years until 1970 (HPIV-1), early fall of odd-numbered years since 1973 (HPIV-1 and HPIV-2), and late winter-early spring (HPIV-3)
• Narrow host range (humans), although human counterparts infect other mammals (rodents, cattle, sheep, dogs)
13.
A 15-month-old girl presents in early fall with a fever, hoarseness, a barking cough and inspiratory stridor.
What syndrome is above patient suffering from?
Correct Answer
C. Croup
Explanation
CROUP (ACUTE LARYNGOTRACHEOBRONCHITIS)
Etiology
Acute laryngotracheobronchitis, or croup, is mostly caused by human parainfluenza viruses (3 cases out of 4). HPIV-1, HPIV-2 and HPIV-3 are the most common culprits (mostly HPIV-1 & HPIV-3; children between 1 & 5 yoa), but other viruses are associated with acute croup: These include influenza A and B viruses (mostly influenza A; children >5 yoa), RSV (in children 5 yoa).
Incidence
10 to 20% of lower respiratory tract diseases of children
Epidemiology
• Croup is almost exclusively an illness of young children (
14.
What is the pathophysiologic mechanism responsible for the inspiratory stridor?
Correct Answer
C. Destruction and inflammation of the respiratory epithelium, as well as mucus secretion, especially around the subglottic area
Explanation
Pathogenesis
Most of the symptoms are the result of inflammation and seem proportional to viral replication (in the case of HPIVs at least) in both the upper and lower respiratory tract (respiratory epithelium). Viral infection is initiated in the upper respiratory tract, with inflammation of the nasal passages and nasopharynx, and then moves to the lower respiratory tract. STRIDOR, HOARSENESS AND COUGH RESULT FROM THE INFLAMMATION OF THE LARYNX AND TRACHEA, ESPECIALLY AT THE SUBGLOTTIC LEVEL.
15.
What is the pathophysiologic mechanism responsible for the symptoms of bronchitis?
Correct Answer
E. Necrosis and denudation of ciliated epithelial cells of the bronchi, with inflammation, cellular infiltration, edema and mucus secretion
Explanation
infection initiates in the respiratory tract mucosa. Viral replication progresses along the respiratory epithelium, leading to a loss and desquamation of respiratory epithelial cells, associated with inflammatory cell infiltration. Direct cytopathic effects are believed to be responsible for most of the pathological changes, but inflammation is also involved
Pathogenesis --CROUP (ACUTE LARYNGOTRACHEOBRONCHITIS)
Most of the symptoms are the result of inflammation and seem proportional to viral replication (in the case of HPIVs at least) in both the upper and lower respiratory tract (respiratory epithelium). Viral infection is initiated in the upper respiratory tract, with inflammation of the nasal passages and nasopharynx, and then moves to the lower respiratory tract. Stridor, hoarseness and cough result from the inflammation of the larynx and trachea, especially at the subglottic level.