Infectious Diseases MCQ Answer 29

The answer is B.

The patient has viral influenza caused by the Influenza B virus. Influenza B virus, like the influenza A and C viruses, has a lipid bilayer envelope with inserted hemagglutinin and neuraminidase glycoprotein spikes that project to the outside.

Zanamavir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are active against both Influenza A and B by blocking neuraminidase.

DNA polymerase inhibitors (e.g., vidarabine and idoxyuridine) are active against Herpes viruses but are ineffective against the influenza viruses (orthomyxoviruses), which have a (-)RNA genome.

The target-activated nucleoside analogues (acyclovir and its relatives) are likewise active against the DNA-containing Herpes viruses.

Reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors are active against HIV retroviruses, Hepatitis B virus (reverse transcriptase inhibitors) and some (+)RNA viruses (protease inhibitors).

Category: Infectious Diseases MCQs