Consider the following statements regarding Influenza viruses:1. They ...
- About Influenza viruses o Influenza viruses belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae and have a single-stranded segmented RNA genome. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
- Influenza virus is transmitted primarily by droplets or respiratory secretions of infected persons. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- There are four types of influenza viruses: types A, B, C and D:
- Influenza A viruses infect humans and many different animals. The emergence of a new and very different influenza A virus with the ability to infect people and have sustained human-to-human transmission can cause an influenza pandemic.
- Influenza B viruses circulate among humans and cause seasonal epidemics. Recent data showed seals also can be infected.
- Influenza C viruses can infect both humans and pigs but infections are generally mild and are rarely reported.
- Influenza D viruses primarily affect cattle and are not known to infect or cause illness in people. Hence statement 3 is correct.
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Consider the following statements regarding Influenza viruses:1. They ...
Influenza viruses are a group of RNA viruses that cause respiratory tract infections in humans and animals. Let's analyze each statement given in the question to determine their correctness:
1. They have a double-stranded segmented DNA genome:
This statement is incorrect. Influenza viruses have a single-stranded segmented RNA genome, not DNA. The RNA genome is composed of eight separate RNA segments, which allow for reassortment and the emergence of new strains through genetic recombination.
2. It is transmitted primarily by droplets or respiratory secretions of infected persons:
This statement is correct. Influenza viruses are primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can be inhaled by individuals in close proximity, leading to the transmission of the virus. Additionally, the virus can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, although this is considered a less common mode of transmission.
3. Influenza D viruses primarily affect cattle and are not known to infect or cause illness in people:
This statement is also correct. Influenza D viruses primarily affect cattle and are generally not known to infect or cause illness in humans. While influenza A and B viruses are the main types that cause seasonal influenza outbreaks in humans, influenza C viruses can also cause mild respiratory illness. Influenza D viruses belong to a different genus and are primarily found in cattle and other ruminants. However, it is important to note that there have been rare cases of human infection with influenza D viruses, but they do not typically cause widespread illness in humans.
Based on the analysis above, the correct statements are 2 and 3 only (option C). Influenza viruses have a single-stranded segmented RNA genome, and they are primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. Influenza D viruses primarily affect cattle and are not known to infect or cause illness in people, although rare human infections have been reported.
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