Systemic Viral Infections

Question 1

What is the mechanism of spread of the mumps virus?

Answer 1

Inoculation of respiratory tract –> viremia

Question 2

Why are antibodies not sufficient to control a mumps infection?

Answer 2

The virus spreads cell to cell (evades antibodies in the blood stream)

Question 3

What is the role of cell mediated immunity in a mumps infection?

Answer 3

Cell mediated immunity is essential for infection control because the virus spreads from cell to cell. It is also responsible for a portion of the symptoms

Question 4

What are the 4 C’s of measles?

Answer 4

Coryza (inflammation of mucus membranes in nose)
Cough
Conjunctivitis
Kopliks spots (in mouth)

….all with maculopapular rash

Question 5

What is the most severe complication of measles?

Answer 5

Encephalitis

Question 6

What are the symptoms of rubella (German measles)?

Answer 6

Maculopapular rash

URTI

Question 7

How are MMR detected clinically?

Answer 7

Nasopharyngeal sample –> look for positive IgM antibody or significant rise in IgG

Question 8

Who is at risk for an aplastic crisis when infected with parvovirus B19?

Answer 8

People with chronic anemia