Virology Practice Questions

Virology Practice Questions: Section 1

Question 1: Lettuce-borne Outbreak in California

  • Scenario: An outbreak in California affected 60 people, linked to lettuce from a local farmer’s market.
  • Symptoms: Fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and mild jaundice, appearing 3-4 weeks post-consumption.
  • Lab Findings: Elevated serum levels of alanine transferase (ALT).
  • Outcome: Patients recovered without complications.
  • Question: What is the most likely cause?
    • A. Hepatitis A virus
    • B. Hepatitis B virus
    • C. Hepatitis C virus
    • D. Rotavirus
    • E. Norovirus

Question 2: Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Antibodies

  • Scenario: A 20-year-old female student has IgG antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen during a blood drive.
  • Question: What is the most appropriate conclusion?
    • A. She has acute hepatitis B
    • B. She has chronic hepatitis B
    • C. She has developed cirrhosis
    • D. She has a 10% chance of developing liver cancer
    • E. She has been vaccinated against hepatitis B

Question 3: Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in Developing Countries

  • Problem: Hundreds of thousands of children die from rotavirus gastroenteritis in developing countries.
  • Cause of Death: Severe dehydration due to malabsorption.
  • Question: Which factor plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of infectious diarrhea?
    • A. Viral infection of crypt cells, leading to malabsorption