Question

Rhinoviruses are the causative agents of:
A) Diarrhoea
B) AIDS
C) Dengue
D) Common cold

Answer 1

The most common viral infectious agents in humans are Rhinovirus. The rhinovirus belongs to genus Enterovirus. These are the smallest viruses. Rhinoviruses have single stranded positive sense RNA genomes.

Complete answer:
The predominant cause of common cold is Rhinovirus.The rhinovirus proliferates in the temperature of 330-350C.There are two modes of transmission-

Aerosols of respiratory droplets.
Fomites
The primary cause of the common cold is rhinovirus. The symptoms are sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough. Muscle ache, fatigue and headache can also be present.The primary route of entry is the upper respiratory tract. Infection occurs rapidly as the virus enters the respiratory tract.
Infected cells release signals which activate the inflammatory mediators. Cell lysis also occurs at the upper respiratory epithelium.Infants, elderly and the immunocompromised are most affected by this virus.So the correct answer is common cold.

Additional information: Diarrhoea is usually caused by a virus and sometimes it can be caused by contaminated food. AIDS is caused by HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus). Dengue is a mosquito borne viral disease.

Hence option ‘D’ is the correct answer.

Note: The rhinovirus is most contagious during the autumn and the winter months. The virus can remain active outside the human host for upto 3 hours. Preventive measures such as regular handwashing and avoiding touching eyes, mouth and nose should be considered. Droplet precautions are taken in hospitals.