CSIM1.72 Respiratory Viruses Flashcards
List 5 viruses responsible for respiratory tract infections
Rhinovirus Adenovirus Coronavirus Influenza virus Respiratory syncitial virus
What does the rhinovirus cause?
The common cold
Route of transmission of rhinovirus?
Repiratory route, hand to mouth and contaminated surface
Symptoms of rhinovirus infection
Nasal congestion Sneezing Cough Sore throat Rarely fever
Symptoms of adenovirus infection?
Cold-like symptoms Conjunctivitis Tonsillitis Bronchiolitis Pneumonia Diarrhea Fever
Describe antigenic shift and drift
Antigenic drift is caused by small changes in genes, mutations, these results in epidemics about every 4 years
Antigenic shifts occur when more than one strains of influenza viruses combine genomes, causing a large change in genes which can cause pandemics, occer every few decades.
Difference between influenza A B and C
A is the most common/severe strain
B and C have less virulence.
A has H and N strains
How does tamiflu work?
It is a neuraminidase inhibitor, it competively inhibits the protein which allows the viral particles to be released.
Symptoms of respiratory syncitial virus
Cough sneezing fever wheezing
Epidemiology of RSV
Peaks in winter, common under 1 year old.
Treatment of RSV
Symptomatic, oxygen and mucus drainage.
