Virology Practice Questions

Q: A 2 month old baby presented with acute icteric viral hepatitis. The mother is a known hepatitis B carrier. Mother's hepatitis B virus serological profile is MOST likely to be:

HBsAg and HBeAg positive. ***HBsAg and HBeAg positive*** - A mother who is **HBsAg and HBeAg positive** has a high viral load and is highly infectious, making vertical transmission to her infant very likely, leading to acute icteric viral hepatitis in the newborn [1]. - **HBeAg positivity** indicates active viral replication, a key factor in efficient perinatal transmission of HBV [1]. *HBsAg and HBe antibody positive* - **HBe antibody positivity** indicates a lower viral load and less active viral replication, suggesting a lower risk of perinatal transmission than if HBeAg were positive [1]. - While the mother is a carrier (HBsAg positive), the presence of HBe antibody usually means the infection is in a less active, potentially chronic persistent phase, with reduced infectivity [1]. *HBsAg positive only* - A mother being **HBsAg positive only** (without HBeAg or antibody information) is insufficient to definitively determine the infectivity status or the likelihood of acute icteric hepatitis in the infant. - **HBsAg positivity** confirms carrier status but doesn't specify the level of viral replication or infectivity as precisely as HBeAg status [1]. *HBV DNA positive* - **HBV DNA positive** indicates the presence of viral genetic material, confirming active infection or replication, but it's a quantitative measure and doesn't replace the serological markers for assessing infectivity in the context of perinatal transmission [1]. - While strongly indicative of active infection, **HBV DNA positive** usually correlates with HBeAg positivity in highly infectious carriers, and HBeAg is the more specific serological marker for this high infectivity state [1].

Q: Which is the most common manifestation of recurrent HSVl infection:

Recurrent herpes labialis. **Recurrent herpes labialis** - **Recurrent herpes labialis**, or **cold sores**, is the most common manifestation of recurrent HSV-1 infection [1]. - It typically presents as vesicles and ulcers on the lips and perioral region due to reactivation of the virus from the **trigeminal ganglia** [1]. *Herpetic whitlow* - **Herpetic whitlow** is an HSV infection of the fingers or toes, often seen in healthcare workers or children, but it is not the most common recurrent manifestation [2]. - It is characterized by painful, vesicular lesions on the digits [2]. *Herpetic keratitis* - **Herpetic keratitis** is a serious ocular infection that can lead to corneal scarring and vision loss, but it is less common than recurrent oral lesions [2]. - It involves the **cornea** and can cause pain, redness, and blurred vision [2]. *Herpos encephalitis* - **Herpes encephalitis** is a rare but severe neurological complication of HSV infection that can cause significant morbidity and mortality. - It involves inflammation of the **brain** and is characterized by fever, headache, altered mental status, and seizures.

Q: Which of the following viral infections is transmitted by tick?

Kyasanur forest disease (KFD). ***Kyasanur forest disease (KFD)*** - KFD is a **viral hemorrhagic fever** caused by the Kyasanur Forest disease virus, a member of the *Flaviviridae* family. - It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected **ticks**, especially *Haemaphysalis spinigera*. *Ehrlichiosis* - Ehrlichiosis is a **bacterial infection** caused by *Ehrlichia* species, not a viral infection. - It is transmitted by **ticks**, primarily the **lone star tick** (*Amblyomma americanum*). *Lyme disease* - Lyme disease is a **bacterial infection** caused by *Borrelia burgdorferi*, not a viral infection. - It is transmitted by **ticks**, notably the **black-legged tick** (*Ixodes scapularis*). *Rocky Mountain spotted fever* - Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a **bacterial infection** caused by *Rickettsia rickettsii*, not a viral infection. - It is transmitted by **ticks**, such as the **American dog tick**, **Rocky Mountain wood tick**, and **brown dog tick**.

Q: What is the incubation period of Hepatitis B virus?

30-180 days. ***30-180 days*** - The incubation period for **Hepatitis B virus (HBV)** is typically long, ranging from **30 to 180 days**, reflecting the time from exposure to symptom onset or detection of viral markers. - This broad range allows for the virus to replicate and reach a detectable level in the body before clinical signs of **acute hepatitis** manifest. *8-10 days* - An incubation period of **8-10 days** is far too short for Hepatitis B virus. - Such a short period is more characteristic of rapidly acting viral or bacterial infections. *1 year* - A 1-year incubation period is **too long** for typical presentation of acute Hepatitis B. - While chronic infection can persist for years, the initial incubation before symptom onset is much shorter. *2 years* - A 2-year incubation period is also **excessively long** for the acute phase of Hepatitis B infection. - This timeframe is not consistent with the known viral kinetics and immune response associated with HBV.

Q: Juvenile papillomatosis is caused by -

HPV. ***HPV*** - **Juvenile papillomatosis**, often referred to as **recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP)** in children, is primarily caused by **Human Papillomavirus (HPV)**. - Specifically, **HPV types 6 and 11** are responsible for the vast majority of cases, leading to the formation of benign, wart-like growths in the larynx and other parts of the respiratory tract. *Adenovirus* - **Adenovirus** can cause a range of respiratory illnesses, including pharyngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. - However, it is not associated with the development of **papillomas** or respiratory papillomatosis. *Parainfluenza virus* - **Parainfluenza viruses** are a common cause of respiratory tract infections, particularly in young children, leading to conditions like **croup**, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis. - They do not cause **papilloma formation** in the respiratory tract. *Influenza virus* - The **influenza virus** is responsible for seasonal epidemics of the flu, characterized by fever, cough, body aches, and respiratory symptoms. - It does not cause the proliferation of **papillomatous growths** in the respiratory system.

Q: Rubella is caused by

Togavirus. ***Correct Answer: Togavirus*** - Rubella virus is classified under the genus *Rubivirus* within the family **Togaviridae** - Togaviruses are **enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses** - Rubella causes German measles, characterized by mild fever and maculopapular rash - Important for congenital rubella syndrome when infection occurs during pregnancy *Incorrect: Paramyxovirus* - This family includes viruses like **measles (rubeola)** and **mumps** - Paramyxoviruses are enveloped, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses - Different structural and genetic characteristics from rubella virus *Incorrect: Orthomyxovirus* - This family primarily consists of **influenza viruses** (types A, B, and C) - Orthomyxoviruses are enveloped, **negative-sense, segmented** RNA viruses - The segmented genome distinguishes them from rubella virus *Incorrect: Flavivirus* - This family includes **dengue virus**, **yellow fever virus**, and **Zika virus** - While flaviviruses are also enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses, they belong to the family *Flaviviridae*, not Togaviridae - Different envelope proteins and replication strategies distinguish them from rubella virus

Q: A neonate was found to have cataract, deafness and cardiac defects. Which group of viruses was the mother infected with?

Togaviridae family (includes Rubella virus). ***Togaviridae family (includes Rubella virus)*** - The classic triad of **congenital rubella syndrome (CRS)** includes **cataracts**, **deafness**, and **cardiac defects** (e.g., patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary artery stenosis). - Rubella virus is a member of the **Togaviridae family** and causes significant fetal damage if the mother is infected during the first trimester. *Flaviviridae family (includes Zika virus)* - While congenital Zika syndrome can cause severe birth defects, it is primarily associated with **microcephaly**, intracranial calcifications, and ocular abnormalities, not typically the classic rubella triad. - **Deafness** and **linear cataracts** are not characteristic features of congenital Zika infection. *Bunyaviridae family (includes Rift Valley fever virus)* - Rift Valley fever virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes and causes **febrile illness** in humans and livestock, with potential for **hemorrhagic fever** or **encephalitis**. - It is not known to cause congenital abnormalities resembling cataracts, deafness, and cardiac defects in neonates. *Arenaviridae family (includes Lassa fever virus)* - Lassa fever virus causes a severe **hemorrhagic fever** in humans, primarily through contact with infected rodents or person-to-person transmission. - It is not associated with congenital malformations such as cataracts, deafness, and cardiac defects.

Q: A patient with HIV presents with extensive anogenital warts. Which HPV types are most commonly associated with malignant transformation in this setting?

Types 16 and 18. ***Types 16 and 18*** - **HPV types 16 and 18** are considered **high-risk** and are responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. - In HIV-positive individuals, the risk of malignant transformation from HPV infection is significantly increased due to **immunocompromise**. *Types 42 and 43* - **HPV types 42 and 43** are classified as **low-risk** HPV types. - They are primarily associated with **benign anogenital warts** and rarely cause malignant transformation. *Types 31 and 33* - **HPV types 31 and 33** are also considered **high-risk** types and can cause malignant transformation. - However, **types 16 and 18** are more frequently associated with HPV-related cancers than types 31 and 33. *Types 6 and 11* - **HPV types 6 and 11** are **low-risk** types and are the primary cause of **genital warts (condyloma acuminata)**. - While they can cause extensive warts, they have a very low potential for malignant transformation.

Q: What is not true regarding Zika Virus?

Not transmitted from mother to newborn. ***Not transmitted from mother to newborn*** ✓ - This is the **correct answer** because this statement is **FALSE**. - Zika virus **CAN be transmitted** from a pregnant mother to her unborn child (vertical transmission), leading to severe birth defects. - **Vertical transmission** from mother to fetus is a well-documented and concerning route of Zika virus spread, particularly associated with congenital Zika syndrome. *Belong to family flaviviridae* - This statement is **TRUE**, so it is not the correct answer. - The Zika virus is indeed part of the **Flaviviridae family**, which also includes dengue, yellow fever, West Nile, and Japanese encephalitis viruses. - This classification is based on its structure as a positive-sense single-stranded **RNA virus**. *Possibly can cause microcephaly* - This statement is **TRUE**, so it is not the correct answer. - Zika virus infection during pregnancy is strongly linked to **microcephaly** and other severe congenital abnormalities (congenital Zika syndrome). - This neurological complication is the most concerning outcome of **prenatal Zika exposure**. *Transmission happens by Mosquitoes* - This statement is **TRUE**, so it is not the correct answer. - The primary mode of transmission for Zika virus is through the bite of infected **Aedes species mosquitoes**, particularly *Aedes aegypti* and *Aedes albopictus*. - These mosquitoes are also vectors for dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Note: Zika can also be transmitted sexually and through blood transfusion.

Q: Which virus is NOT associated with human cancer?

Measles virus. ***Measles virus*** - The **measles virus** (rubeola) is primarily known for causing acute febrile illness with a characteristic rash and is not recognized as an **oncogenic virus** in humans. - While it can cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in unvaccinated populations, its mode of action does not involve **cellular transformation** or sustained **oncogene expression**. *HPV* - **Human Papillomavirus (HPV)**, particularly high-risk types like HPV-16 and HPV-18, is a well-established cause of **cervical cancer**, as well as other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. - HPV oncogenes, **E6** and **E7**, interfere with tumor suppressor proteins like p53 and Rb, promoting uncontrolled cell growth. *HHV-8* - **Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)**, also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), is the causative agent of **Kaposi's sarcoma**, a vascular tumor. - HHV-8 is also associated with primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman's disease due to its **latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA)** and other viral oncogenes. *EBV* - **Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)** is strongly linked to several human cancers, including **Burkitt's lymphoma**, **nasopharyngeal carcinoma**, and Hodgkin's lymphoma. - EBV transforms B lymphocytes through the expression of latency genes such as **LMP1** and **EBNA2**, which modulate cell growth and survival pathways.

Question 1

A 2 month old baby presented with acute icteric viral hepatitis. The mother is a known hepatitis B carrier. Mother's hepatitis B virus serological profile is MOST likely to be:

Accepted Answer

HBsAg and HBeAg positive

Answer

HBsAg and HBe antibody positive

Answer

HBsAg positive only

Answer

HBV DNA positive

Question 2

Which is the most common manifestation of recurrent HSVl infection:

Accepted Answer

Recurrent herpes labialis

Answer

Herpetic whitlow

Answer

Herpetic keratitis

Answer

Herpes encephalitis

Question 3

Which of the following viral infections is transmitted by tick?

Accepted Answer

Kyasanur forest disease (KFD)

Answer

Ehrlichiosis

Answer

Lyme disease

Answer

Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Question 4

What is the incubation period of Hepatitis B virus?

Accepted Answer

30-180 days

Answer

8-10 days

Answer

1 year

Answer

2 years

Question 5

Juvenile papillomatosis is caused by -

Accepted Answer

HPV

Answer

Adenovirus

Answer

Parainfluenza virus

Answer

Influenza virus

Question 6

Rubella is caused by

Accepted Answer

Togavirus

Answer

Paramyxovirus

Answer

Orthomyxovirus

Answer

Flavivirus

Question 7

A neonate was found to have cataract, deafness and cardiac defects. Which group of viruses was the mother infected with?

Accepted Answer

Togaviridae family (includes Rubella virus)

Answer

Flaviviridae family (includes Zika virus)

Answer

Bunyaviridae family (includes Rift Valley fever virus)

Answer

Arenaviridae family (includes Lassa fever virus)

Question 8

A patient with HIV presents with extensive anogenital warts. Which HPV types are most commonly associated with malignant transformation in this setting?

Accepted Answer

Types 16 and 18

Answer

Types 42 and 43

Answer

Types 31 and 33

Answer

Types 6 and 11

Question 9

What is not true regarding Zika Virus?

Accepted Answer

Not transmitted from mother to newborn

Answer

Belong to family flaviviridae

Answer

Possibly can cause microcephaly

Answer

Transmission happens by Mosquitoes

Question 10

Which virus is NOT associated with human cancer?

Accepted Answer

Measles virus

Answer

HPV

Answer

HHV-8

Answer

EBV

Virology — MCQs

Virology — MCQs

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