One of the most infectious human ailments, the common cold is caused by which of the following group of viruses?
Understanding the Common Cold and Its Viral Causes
The common cold is a highly prevalent infectious disease in humans, affecting the upper respiratory tract. It is known for symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and sometimes a low-grade fever.
Identifying the Primary Cause of the Common Cold
The question asks about the group of viruses responsible for causing the common cold. While many viruses can cause similar symptoms, one group is the most frequent culprit.
Let's examine the options provided:
- Rhinovirus: These are members of the Picornaviridae family. Rhinoviruses are known to be the most common cause of the common cold in adults and children. There are over 100 different types of rhinoviruses, which is why people can catch colds multiple times.
- Cytomegalovirus: This is a type of herpesvirus. It is related to the viruses that cause chickenpox, mononucleosis, and cold sores. Cytomegalovirus often causes mild or no symptoms but can be serious for people with weakened immune systems or newborns. It is not typically associated with the common cold.
- Parvovirus: Parvoviruses are a group of viruses that can affect various species. In humans, Parvovirus B19 causes Fifth disease, also known as "slapped cheek syndrome." This is a childhood illness with a characteristic rash and sometimes fever or joint pain. It does not cause the common cold.
- Rotavirus: Rotaviruses are a major cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants and young children worldwide. They primarily infect the intestines and cause symptoms like severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. Rotaviruses are not a cause of respiratory illnesses like the common cold.
Based on the nature of these viruses and their associated illnesses, the virus group most commonly responsible for the common cold is Rhinovirus.
Explanation of the Correct Virus Type
Rhinoviruses are small RNA viruses that primarily infect the cells lining the nasal passages and throat. Their high diversity contributes to their widespread nature and the difficulty in developing a single vaccine or lasting immunity against all common colds.
Revision Table: Common Viruses and Their Ailments
| Virus Group | Common Ailment(s) | Primary System Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Rhinovirus | Common cold | Upper respiratory tract |
| Cytomegalovirus | Mononucleosis-like symptoms, congenital infections (often mild or asymptomatic) | Various (depends on host immune status) |
| Parvovirus (e.g., B19) | Fifth disease | Blood cells, skin |
| Rotavirus | Severe diarrheal disease | Gastrointestinal tract |
Additional Information on Common Cold Viruses
While rhinoviruses are the most frequent cause, other viruses can also produce symptoms similar to the common cold. These include:
- Coronaviruses (different from SARS-CoV-2, though some coronaviruses cause common colds)
- Adenoviruses
- Human parainfluenza viruses
- Human metapneumovirus
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - especially in infants and young children
Understanding the specific virus helps in studying transmission patterns and potential treatments, although most common colds are managed with rest and symptomatic relief.
Similar Questions
Which disease is caused by excessive iron deposition within the reticuloendothelial cells of the liver, spleen and bone marrow?
The smallest bone called stapes (or stirrup) found in the human body is located in the:
Different species of Plasmodium (a tiny protozoan) are responsible for different types of malaria, of these, malignant malaria which is the most serious is caused by ______.
Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is caused by ______.
Which one among the following is a deficiency disease?
Typhoid fever could be confirmed by which of the following tests?
For a patient suffering from COPD, the ‘C’ stands for:
______ is a vestigial hollow tube that is closed at one end and is attached at the other end to the cecum, a pouch-like beginning of the large intestine into which the small intestine empties its contents.
Communicable diseases are indirectly transmitted by way of what are known popularly as '5 Fs'. Which of the following does NOT figure among them?
The exaggerated response of the ______ system to certain antigens present in the environment is called allergy.
Important Questions from Human body
A resting person, usually has a pulse rate between ______ and ______ beats per minute
In humans, neck and head are joined by which joint ?
The human skeleton is composed of around ______ bones at birth.
At which period of life, body undergoes changes leading to reproductive maturity?
Milk is no longer called a balanced diet due to the lack of which one of the following?
