Virology Practice Questions

Q: Hydrops fetalis in a fetus can be due to:

Parvovirus B19. ***Parvovirus B19*** - **Parvovirus B19** infection in a fetus can lead to severe **anemia** and **hydrops fetalis** because the virus targets **erythroid progenitor cells**, impairing red blood cell production. - The resulting severe anemia causes **high-output cardiac failure**, leading to widespread edema, ascites, pleural effusions, and pericardial effusions, which characterize hydrops fetalis. *Epstein-Barr virus* - While **Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)** can infect the fetus, it is more commonly associated with conditions like **lymphoproliferative disorders** or **hepatosplenomegaly**, not typically hydrops fetalis as a primary manifestation. - EBV infection in pregnancy is often asymptomatic or causes mild illness and is not a common cause of severe fetal anemia or hydrops. *Human papilloma virus* - **Human papilloma virus (HPV)** is known to cause **genital warts** and is associated with **cervical cancer**, but it does not cause hydrops fetalis. - Vertical transmission of HPV can occur, leading to conditions like **recurrent respiratory papillomatosis** in the infant, but it does not affect red blood cell production or fluid balance in the fetus in a way that would cause hydrops. *Influenza Virus* - **Influenza virus** infection during pregnancy can lead to complications such as **preterm delivery** or **low birth weight**, but it is not a direct cause of hydrops fetalis. - The influenza virus primarily affects the respiratory system and does not directly target fetal erythroid cells or cause the severe anemia necessary for hydrops.

Q: Which strain was primarily responsible for the major human influenza pandemic in recent decades?

H1N1. ***H1N1*** - The **H1N1 strain** was responsible for the **2009 swine flu pandemic**, which was a significant global health event in recent decades. - This strain emerged through **reassortment** of avian, swine, and human influenza viruses, possessing genes from each. *H5N1* - **H5N1** is known as highly virulent **avian influenza** (bird flu) and has caused severe human infections, but it has not led to a widespread human pandemic due to its limited human-to-human transmission. - While concerning, it primarily remains a threat to poultry. *H7N9* - **H7N9** is another strain of **avian influenza** that has caused severe human infections, primarily in China, but it has not evolved for efficient human-to-human transmission needed for a pandemic. - Infections are usually linked to direct contact with infected poultry. *H7N7* - **H7N7** is an **avian influenza** strain that has caused localized outbreaks in poultry and some human infections, primarily among those working with infected birds. - It has not demonstrated the sustained human-to-human transmission necessary for a global pandemic.

Q: Which of the following is not considered to be a slow virus disease?

Sarcoidosis. ***Sarcoidosis*** - Sarcoidosis is a multisystem **granulomatous disease** of unknown etiology, characterized by the formation of **non-caseating granulomas** in various organs. - It is an **inflammatory condition**, not a viral infection, and does not fit the criteria of a slow virus disease which typically refers to **prion diseases**. *Kuru* - Kuru is a **prion disease** caused by the consumption of infected brain tissue, primarily affecting the Fore people of Papua New Guinea. - It is characterized by progressive **cerebellar ataxia** and dementia, with a long incubation period typical of a **slow virus disease**. *Scrapie* - Scrapie is a **prion disease** affecting sheep and goats, leading to neurological degeneration. - It serves as a classic example of a **transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE)** with a prolonged incubation period, classifying it as a slow virus disease. *Creutzfeldt Jakob disease* - Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a **fatal neurodegenerative prion disease** in humans. - It is characterized by rapidly progressive dementia, myoclonus, and other neurological symptoms, with features consistent with a **slow virus disease** due to its long incubation.

Q: Which is the most recent pandemic strain of influenza?

H1N1. ***Correct Option: H1N1*** - The **2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic** (swine flu) represented the **most recent global pandemic** of a novel influenza virus - This strain was a **reassortant virus** with genes from **swine, avian, and human influenza viruses** - Declared a pandemic by WHO in June 2009, lasting until August 2010 *Incorrect Option: H2N2* - The **H2N2 influenza A virus** caused the **1957-1958 Asian Flu pandemic** - This strain **is no longer in circulation** among humans, having been replaced by H3N2 in 1968 - Not the most recent pandemic strain *Incorrect Option: H5N1* - While **H5N1 avian influenza** has caused outbreaks in poultry and sporadic human infections with **high mortality (~60%)** - It has **NOT achieved sustained human-to-human transmission**, hence it is not considered a pandemic strain - Monitored as a potential pandemic threat due to its high virulence *Incorrect Option: H3N2* - The **H3N2 influenza A virus** was responsible for the **1968 Hong Kong Flu pandemic** - It has continued to circulate as a **seasonal influenza strain** since then - Not the most recent pandemic - preceded H1N1 2009 by over 40 years

Q: Kaposi's sarcoma occurs with infection due to which virus?

HHV-8. ***HHV-8*** - **Kaposi's sarcoma** is a vascular tumor strongly associated with infection by **Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)**, also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). - HHV-8 is frequently found in the lesions of all forms of Kaposi's sarcoma, including classic, endemic, iatrogenic, and AIDS-related types. *HHV-4* - **HHV-4**, also known as **Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)**, is associated with various lymphomas (e.g., Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma) and infectious mononucleosis, but not Kaposi's sarcoma. - While EBV can cause malignancies, its mechanism and associated conditions are distinct from those linked to HHV-8. *HHV-2* - **HHV-2**, or **Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2)**, primarily causes **genital herpes** and can be associated with neonatal herpes infections. - HSV-2 is not implicated in the development of Kaposi's sarcoma. *HHV-1* - **HHV-1**, or **Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1)**, is the common cause of **oral herpes** (cold sores). - Like HSV-2, HSV-1 is not associated with Kaposi's sarcoma or its pathogenesis.

Q: What is the primary function of the nucleocapsid proteins in the measles virus?

Protect the RNA from degradation during replication.. **Protect the RNA from degradation during replication.** - The **nucleocapsid proteins** (N proteins) in the measles virus encapsidate the **viral RNA genome**, forming a helical ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. - This **encapsidation** provides crucial protection to the RNA from cellular **nucleases**, preventing its degradation and maintaining its integrity for successful replication and transcription. *Facilitate the assembly of the virion structure.* - While nucleocapsid proteins are part of the virion structure, their primary function isn't to **facilitate the assembly** but rather to protect the genetic material within that structure. - **Matrix proteins** and other viral components are more directly involved in the overall assembly and budding process. *Assist in the packaging of the viral genome.* - **Packaging** of the viral genome is a separate, although related, process where the protected nucleocapsid is incorporated into the newly forming virion. - The fundamental role of the nucleocapsid protein is the **protection and organization of the RNA**, which then enables efficient packaging. *Protect the genome RNA from nuclease digestion and recognize the location in the cell membrane for budding.* - **Protecting the genome RNA from nuclease digestion** is indeed a key function of nucleocapsid proteins. - However, **recognizing the location in the cell membrane for budding** is primarily mediated by the viral **matrix (M) protein**, which links the nucleocapsid to the envelope glycoproteins.

Q: Which marker is typically not present during the acute phase of hepatitis B infection?

IgM Anti HBe Ag. ***IgM Anti HBe Ag*** - **IgM anti-HBe** is not a typical marker during acute hepatitis B because **HBeAg** itself is secreted early in infection, and antibodies against it (anti-HBe) usually develop during seroconversion from acute to chronic infection, or during resolution [1]. - The presence of **anti-HBe** signifies reduced infectivity and often indicates the beginning of viral clearance or a transition to a lower replication state, rather than the initial acute phase [1]. *HBV DNA* - **HBV DNA** is typically present during the acute phase of hepatitis B as it indicates active viral replication and is detectable in the blood soon after infection [1]. - High levels of HBV DNA correlate with high infectivity and active disease a hallmark of acute infection. *HBs Ag* - **HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen)** is the *first detectable marker* of acute hepatitis B infection, appearing even before symptoms begin [1]. - Its presence indicates active infection, whether acute or chronic, and it remains detectable throughout the acute phase [1]. *IgM Anti HBc Ag* - **IgM anti-HBc (IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen)** is a reliable marker for *acute or recent hepatitis B infection* [1]. - It becomes detectable shortly after HBsAg and can persist for several months, indicating an ongoing or recent acute process [1].

Q: Slapped cheek appearance is caused by:

Parvovirus. ***Parvovirus*** - **Parvovirus B19** causes Fifth disease, characterized by a distinctive bright red rash on the cheeks, which gives the appearance of "slapped cheeks." - This **erythematous rash** is a hallmark symptom, often followed by a lacy or reticular rash on the trunk and limbs. *Measles* - Measles, caused by the **measles virus**, presents with a **maculopapular rash** that starts on the face and spreads downwards, often preceded by **Koplik spots** in the mouth. - It does not typically cause a "slapped cheek" appearance. *Rubella* - Rubella, or **German measles**, is caused by the **rubella virus** and features a milder rash than measles, typically a fine, pink maculopapular rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. - It is not associated with the "slapped cheek" rash. *HHV-6* - Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is the cause of **roseola infantum**, or Sixth disease, which is characterized by a high fever followed by a sudden **rose-pink rash** on the trunk and neck as the fever breaks. - This rash does not produce the "slapped cheek" appearance.

Q: Which receptors do avian influenza HA viruses primarily bind to?

Alpha 2-3 sialic acid receptors. ***Alpha 2-3 sialic acid receptors*** - Avian influenza viruses preferentially bind to **alpha 2-3 sialic acid receptors**, which are abundant in the **gastrointestinal tract of birds**. - This specificity explains why these viruses primarily infect birds and generally require adaptation to infect humans efficiently. - The α2-3 linkage configuration allows optimal binding of avian HA proteins. *Alpha 2-6 sialic acid receptors* - These receptors are the **primary binding targets for human-adapted influenza A viruses**, found abundantly in the **human upper respiratory tract**. - Avian influenza viruses typically bind less efficiently to α2-6 receptors unless specific mutations occur in the HA protein. - The shift from α2-3 to α2-6 binding preference is a key adaptation for human transmission. *Alpha 2-8 sialic acid receptors* - Alpha 2-8 linkages exist in **polysialic acid chains** and certain gangliosides but are **not recognized binding targets for influenza HA proteins**. - Influenza viruses specifically recognize α2-3 or α2-6 linkages, not α2-8. *Alpha 2-9 sialic acid receptors* - Alpha 2-9 linkages are **not biologically relevant receptors for influenza viruses**. - The key receptor specificity determinant for influenza is the distinction between α2-3 (avian) and α2-6 (human) linkages.

Q: All of the following are RNA viruses except

Herpes virus. ***Herpes virus*** - **Herpesviruses** are a large family of **DNA viruses** that cause diseases in animals, including humans. - They are characterized by their ability to establish **latent infections** and periodically reactivate. *Influenza virus* - The **influenza virus** is an **RNA virus** belonging to the family **Orthomyxoviridae**. - It is known for causing the seasonal **flu** and respiratory infections. *Parainfluenza virus* - **Parainfluenza viruses** are a group of **RNA viruses** in the family **Paramyxoviridae**. - They are a common cause of **respiratory tract infections**, especially in children, leading to conditions like **croup**. *Mumps virus* - The **mumps virus** is an **RNA virus** that is part of the **Paramyxoviridae** family. - It is well-known for causing **mumps**, which is characterized by the swelling of the **parotid glands**.

Question 1

Hydrops fetalis in a fetus can be due to:

Accepted Answer

Parvovirus B19

Answer

Human papilloma virus

Answer

Influenza Virus

Answer

Epstein-Barr virus

Question 2

Which strain was primarily responsible for the major human influenza pandemic in recent decades?

Accepted Answer

H1N1

Answer

H5N1

Answer

H7N9

Answer

H7N7

Question 3

Which of the following is not considered to be a slow virus disease?

Accepted Answer

Sarcoidosis

Answer

Kuru

Answer

Scrapie

Answer

Creutzfeldt Jakob disease

Question 4

Which is the most recent pandemic strain of influenza?

Accepted Answer

H1N1

Answer

H2N2

Answer

H5N1

Answer

H3N2

Question 5

Kaposi's sarcoma occurs with infection due to which virus?

Accepted Answer

HHV-8

Answer

HHV-4

Answer

HHV-2

Answer

HHV-1

Question 6

What is the primary function of the nucleocapsid proteins in the measles virus?

Accepted Answer

Protect the RNA from degradation during replication.

Answer

Facilitate the assembly of the virion structure.

Answer

Assist in the packaging of the viral genome.

Answer

Protect the genome RNA from nuclease digestion and recognize the location in the cell membrane for budding.

Question 7

Which marker is typically not present during the acute phase of hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

IgM Anti HBe Ag

Answer

HBV DNA

Answer

HBs Ag

Answer

IgM Anti HBc Ag

Question 8

Slapped cheek appearance is caused by:

Accepted Answer

Parvovirus

Answer

Measles

Answer

Rubella

Answer

HHV-6

Question 9

Which receptors do avian influenza HA viruses primarily bind to?

Accepted Answer

Alpha 2-3 sialic acid receptors

Answer

Alpha 2-9 sialic acid receptors

Answer

Alpha 2-6 sialic acid receptors

Answer

Alpha 2-8 sialic acid receptors

Question 10

All of the following are RNA viruses except

Accepted Answer

Herpes virus

Answer

Influenza virus

Answer

Parainfluenza virus

Answer

Mumps virus

Virology — MCQs

Virology — MCQs

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