Virology Practice Questions

Q: A 2-year-old unimmunized child from a village presents with fever, decreased feeding and ear ache. All are true about the virus responsible for the condition shown except: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Belongs to genus morbillivirus. The image shows a child with characteristic swelling of the parotid gland, indicative of Mumps. The clinical presentation (unimmunized child, fever, decreased feeding, ear ache, and parotid swelling) strongly points to Mumps. ***Correct Answer: Belongs to genus morbillivirus*** - This statement is **FALSE** and therefore the correct answer to this "EXCEPT" question. - The virus responsible for Mumps is the **Mumps virus**, which belongs to the **genus Rubulavirus** within the family Paramyxoviridae, NOT Morbillivirus. - Morbillivirus is the genus to which the **Measles virus** belongs. *Incorrect: Nonsuppurative parotitis* - **TRUE statement** - Mumps is classically characterized by **nonsuppurative parotitis**, meaning inflammation of the salivary glands (primarily parotid) without pus formation. - This is a key diagnostic feature of Mumps. *Incorrect: Can lead to aseptic meningitis* - **TRUE statement** - Aseptic meningitis is one of the most common and significant complications of Mumps, occurring in 10-15% of cases. - This complication typically presents with headache, stiff neck, and photophobia, without bacterial infection. *Incorrect: Causative virus possesses both H and N proteins* - **TRUE statement** - The Mumps virus, a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, possesses a combined **HN (hemagglutinin-neuraminidase) protein** on its surface. - The HN protein has both hemagglutinin and neuraminidase activities, responsible for binding to host cells and facilitating release of new virions from infected cells.

Q: Identify the virus shown below.

Herpes virus. ***Herpes virus*** - The image displays a virus with an **icosahedral capsid** (the blue beaded structure) surrounded by a viral envelope with various glycoproteins, all characteristic features of the Herpesvirus family. - The inner structure shows **double-stranded DNA** in a circular arrangement, consistent with the genomic structure of herpesviruses. *Rabies virus* - The rabies virus has a distinct **bullet-shaped morphology** and contains **single-stranded RNA**, which is clearly different from the depicted virus. - Its virions are typically 75 nm in diameter and 180 nm in length. *HIV* - HIV is a **retrovirus** with a conical-shaped capsid and contains **two copies of single-stranded RNA**, along with reverse transcriptase. - Its morphology and genetic material are distinct from the virus shown, which has a double-stranded DNA genome and an icosahedral capsid. *Influenza virus* - Influenza viruses have a roughly **spherical or filamentous shape** with a segmented **single-stranded RNA genome**. - Their surface is covered with hemagglutinin and neuraminidase spikes, distinct from the glycoproteins shown in the image.

Q: Which of the following diseases is caused by the virus shown below?

Swimming pool conjunctivitis. ***Swimming pool conjunctivitis*** - The image displays an **adenovirus**, characterized by its **icosahedral shape** and distinct **fiber proteins** projecting from the vertices. - Adenoviruses are a common cause of **pharyngoconjunctival fever**, often referred to as "swimming pool conjunctivitis" due to its spread in **inadequately chlorinated swimming pools**. - This is the **most characteristic disease** associated with adenovirus infection, particularly serotypes **3, 4, and 7**. *Neurodegenerative disorder* - Adenoviruses are **not associated** with neurodegenerative disorders. - Neurodegenerative conditions are typically linked to **prions, misfolded proteins**, or other viral agents like **JC virus** (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy). - Adenoviruses cause **acute infections**, not chronic neurodegeneration. *Solid organ graft infection* - While adenoviruses can cause severe infections in **immunocompromised patients**, including transplant recipients, this is not their most characteristic presentation. - In transplant patients, adenovirus may cause **colitis, hepatitis, or nephritis**, but these are **opportunistic infections** rather than the typical disease association. - The characteristic disease remains **conjunctivitis and respiratory infections** in immunocompetent hosts. *Solid organ graft rejection* - **Graft rejection** is an **immunological process** where the recipient's immune system attacks the transplanted organ, not a viral infection. - Adenovirus does not directly cause the mechanism of graft rejection. - While viral infections may complicate graft outcomes, rejection itself is **immune-mediated**, not infectious.

Q: Which of the following diseases is caused by the virus shown below?

Aplastic crisis. ***Aplastic crisis*** - The image depicts a **bun-shaped, non-enveloped virus** with a **single-stranded DNA genome**, characteristic of **Parvovirus B19**. - **Parvovirus B19** has a strong tropism for **erythroid progenitor cells** in the bone marrow, leading to their lysis and subsequent inhibition of erythropoiesis, which can cause **aplastic crisis**, especially in individuals with underlying hemolytic disorders like sickle cell anemia. *Burkitt lymphoma* - This lymphoma is caused by **Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)**, a **double-stranded DNA herpesvirus**, which has a different morphology than the virus depicted. - EBV is associated with B-cell proliferation, not direct destruction of erythroid precursors which leads to aplastic crises. *Primary effusion lymphoma* - This is a rare B-cell lymphoma associated with **Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)**, also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. - HHV-8 is a **double-stranded DNA virus** with a different structure and tropism than the parvovirus shown in the image. *Vesicular vaccination lesion* - Vesicular vaccination lesions are typically caused by the **Vaccinia virus**, a **large, complex DNA virus** belonging to the Poxviridae family. - The Vaccinia virus has a distinct brick-shaped morphology and replicates in the cytoplasm, unlike the small, non-enveloped parvovirus shown.

Q: Amongst the four choices, select the virus whose life cycle is shown. (AIIMS Nov 2017)

Hepatitis B. ***Hepatitis B*** - The image clearly depicts the formation of **cccDNA (covalently closed circular DNA)** in the host cell nucleus, a unique and defining characteristic of the Hepatitis B virus life cycle. - The process of **reverse transcription** (synthesis of DNA from an RNA template) occurring within the core particle in the cytoplasm, followed by its movement to the nucleus to form cccDNA, is specific to Hepatitis B. *Herpes simplex* - Herpes simplex viruses are **DNA viruses** that replicate entirely within the nucleus, and their replication does not involve an RNA intermediate or the formation of cccDNA. - They also undergo **budding from the inner nuclear membrane** into the perinuclear space, which differs from the ER budding shown. *HIV* - HIV is a **retrovirus** that utilizes reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA genome into DNA, which then integrates into the host genome. However, it does not form cccDNA. - While it does involve reverse transcription, the overall replication strategy, particularly the integration step and the budding from the cell membrane, differs significantly from the depicted process. *Influenza* - Influenza is an **RNA virus** that replicates in the nucleus (unlike most RNA viruses) but does not involve a DNA intermediate or cccDNA formation. - Its replication cycle involves transcription of viral RNA into mRNA and replication of viral RNA genomes, which is distinct from the complex DNA to RNA to DNA cycle shown.

Q: Which of the following is responsible for the abnormality shown below?

Zika virus. ***Zika virus*** - The image depicts a newborn with **microcephaly**, characterized by a significantly smaller head circumference than expected, which is a hallmark congenital abnormality associated with **Zika virus infection** during pregnancy. - Zika virus is a **teratogen** that primarily targets neural progenitor cells, leading to severe brain malformations and microcephaly in developing fetuses. *Human parvovirus B19* - This virus is known to cause **erythema infectiosum** (fifth disease) in children and can lead to **hydrops fetalis**, severe anemia, and cardiac failure in fetuses if transmitted during pregnancy. - It does not typically cause microcephaly as its primary congenital manifestation. *HHV6* - Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) is the causative agent of **roseola infantum** (exanthem subitum) in young children. - While it can cause febrile seizures and encephalitis, it is not primarily associated with congenital microcephaly or other severe birth defects when acquired prenatally. *EBV* - Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is responsible for **infectious mononucleosis** and is linked to various malignancies. - Congenital EBV infection is rare and has been associated with a range of non-specific outcomes, but it is not a recognized cause of microcephaly.

Q: A 19-year-old woman presents to the emergency department complaining of lesions on her vulva. They have been present for several months but are now beginning to interfere with intercourse. Which viral subtypes are responsible for most cases of this disease? (Recent Neet Pattern 2016-17)

Types 6 and 11. ***Types 6 and 11*** - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) **types 6 and 11** are responsible for approximately 90% of all cases of **genital warts (condyloma acuminata)**. - These types are considered low-risk HPV as they rarely lead to cancer but can cause significant discomfort and interfere with sexual activity due to their physical presence. *Types 6 and 18* - While **HPV type 6** is a common cause of genital warts, **HPV type 18** is a high-risk type primarily associated with **cervical cancer**, not typically with vulvar warts. - Combining a low-risk and a high-risk type in this manner does not accurately represent the primary cause of condyloma acuminata. *Types 11 and 16* - **HPV type 11** causes genital warts, but **HPV type 16** is a **high-risk HPV** type strongly associated with cervical and other anogenital cancers. - While both can cause lesions, type 16 is not a primary cause of benign genital warts; it's a major cause of malignancies. *Types 11 and 31* - **HPV type 11** is linked to genital warts, but **HPV type 31** is another **high-risk HPV** type associated with cervical cancer, not typically with benign vulvar warts. - Similar to the previous option, this combination incorrectly mixes a benign wart-causing type with a high-risk oncogenic type when addressing the cause of vulvar lesions.

Q: Patients who have undergone S.O.T (Solid organ transplant) are highly susceptible to development of Kaposi sarcoma. The image shows features consistent with Kaposi Sarcoma etiologically linked with which of the following?

KSHV. **KSHV** - **Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)**, also known as **Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)**, is the definitive etiological agent for Kaposi's sarcoma. - Immunosuppression, such as that experienced by solid organ transplant recipients, reactivates latent KSHV infection, leading to the proliferation of spindle cells and the characteristic vascular lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma. *CMV* - **Cytomegalovirus (CMV)** is a common opportunistic infection in transplant recipients, causing a variety of clinical syndromes, but it is **not directly linked** to the causation of Kaposi's sarcoma. - While CMV can contribute to general immunosuppression in transplant patients, it does not specifically induce Kaposi's sarcoma lesions. *EBV* - **Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)** is strongly associated with **post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD)** in solid organ transplant recipients, not Kaposi's sarcoma. - EBV infection can lead to lymphoid malignancies due to immunosuppression, a different pathology from the angioproliferative nature of Kaposi's sarcoma. *HHV6* - **Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6)** is known to cause **roseola infantum** in children and can be a significant pathogen in immunocompromised patients, potentially causing encephalitis or pneumonitis in transplant recipients. - HHV-6 is **not associated with Kaposi's sarcoma**; its oncogenic potential is less clear and not linked to this specific malignancy.

Q: Which causative organism is responsible for this disease?

Coxsackie virus. ***Coxsackie virus*** - The images show typical lesions of **Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease (HFMD)**, characterized by **oral ulcers** (herpangina) and a vesiculopapular rash on the **palms, soles**, and sometimes buttocks. - HFMD is most commonly caused by **Coxsackie virus A16** and other enteroviruses. *Human herpes virus 7* - This virus is primarily associated with **roseola infantum (exanthem subitum)**, characterized by rapid onset of high fever followed by a rash after the fever breaks. - The rash is typically maculopapular and found on the trunk, not primarily on the palms, soles, and mouth as seen in the image. *Pox virus* - Poxviruses cause diseases like **smallpox** and **molluscum contagiosum**, which present with different types of lesions. - **Smallpox** lesions are deep-seated, painful pustules that evolve synchronously, and **molluscum contagiosum** manifests as pearly, umbilicated papules, neither matching the depicted oral and acral rash. *Molluscum contagiosum virus* - Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a type of **poxvirus** that causes the skin infection **molluscum contagiosum**. - Its characteristic lesions are **dome-shaped, pearly papules with central umbilication**, which are not consistent with the vesicular lesions and oral ulcers shown in the image.

Question 1

A 2-year-old unimmunized child from a village presents with fever, decreased feeding and ear ache. All are true about the virus responsible for the condition shown except: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Accepted Answer

Belongs to genus morbillivirus

Answer

Nonsuppurative parotitis

Answer

Can lead to aseptic meningitis

Answer

Causative virus possesses both H and N proteins

Question 2

A 3-year-old child presents with fever for 3 days with excessive salivation. On examination following lesions were seen. Mother says same lesions appeared 6 months back. All are true about the condition shown except:

Accepted Answer

Infectivity of type 1 virus is more temperature dependent than type 2 virus

Answer

Tzanck smear shows multinucleated giant cells

Answer

Primary target cell is mucoepithelial cells

Answer

Site of latency is trigeminal ganglia

Question 3

Identify the virus shown below.

Accepted Answer

Herpes virus

Answer

Rabies virus

Answer

HIV

Answer

Influenza virus

Question 4

Which of the following diseases is caused by the virus shown below?

Accepted Answer

Swimming pool conjunctivitis

Answer

Neurodegenerative disorder

Answer

Solid organ graft infection

Answer

Solid organ graft rejection

Question 5

Which of the following diseases is caused by the virus shown below?

Accepted Answer

Aplastic crisis

Answer

Burkitt lymphoma

Answer

Primary effusion lymphoma

Answer

Vesicular vaccination lesion

Question 6

Amongst the four choices, select the virus whose life cycle is shown. (AIIMS Nov 2017)

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B

Answer

Herpes simplex

Answer

HIV

Answer

Influenza

Question 7

Which of the following is responsible for the abnormality shown below?

Accepted Answer

Zika virus

Answer

Human parvovirus B19

Answer

HHV6

Answer

EBV

Question 8

A 19-year-old woman presents to the emergency department complaining of lesions on her vulva. They have been present for several months but are now beginning to interfere with intercourse. Which viral subtypes are responsible for most cases of this disease? (Recent Neet Pattern 2016-17)

Accepted Answer

Types 6 and 11

Answer

Types 6 and 18

Answer

Types 11 and 16

Answer

Types 11 and 31

Question 9

Patients who have undergone S.O.T (Solid organ transplant) are highly susceptible to development of Kaposi sarcoma. The image shows features consistent with Kaposi Sarcoma etiologically linked with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

KSHV

Answer

CMV

Answer

EBV

Answer

HHV6

Question 10

Which causative organism is responsible for this disease?

Accepted Answer

Coxsackie virus

Answer

Human herpes virus 7

Answer

Pox virus

Answer

Molluscum contagiosum virus

Virology — MCQs

Virology — MCQs

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