Human Herpes Viruses

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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic is most indicative of alpha herpesviruses compared to beta and gamma herpesviruses?

Establishment of latent infection within secretory glands.
Prolonged reproductive cycle extending over several days.
Association with lymphoproliferative diseases and sarcomas.
Rapid reproductive cycle leading to prompt host cell destruction. (correct)

In what primary way does Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) typically spread, leading to initial infection?

Via airborne droplets with initial replication in the oropharynx. (correct)
Via contaminated blood transfusions, especially in premature infants.
Through direct contact with infected skin lesions.
Through sexual contact, similar to HSV-2 transmission.

What is the most common route of transmission for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)?

Through contaminated blood products or organ transplantation.
Through intimate contact, primarily via saliva exchange. (correct)
Vertical transmission from mother to child during pregnancy.
Via airborne droplets produced by coughing or sneezing.

Which of the following statements accurately differentiates between HSV-1 and HSV-2 routes of transmission?

HSV-1 is typically transmitted through contact with saliva, whereas HSV-2 is often a consequence of sexual contact. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In severely immunocompromised individuals, which of the following represents a potential complication arising from CMV infection?

Life-threatening infections of the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver, retina, and central nervous system. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indication for administering varicella-zoster virus immune globulin (VZIG)?

To prevent or attenuate VZV infection in immunocompromised children post-exposure. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes a key difference between classic infectious mononucleosis caused by EBV versus CMV?

CMV mononucleosis less frequently presents with pharyngitis and cervical adenopathy compared to classic EBV mononucleosis. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary etiological agent associated with Kaposi's sarcoma?

Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV). (C) Signup and view all the answers

A newborn intensive care unit (NICU) is experiencing an outbreak of HSV-2. What is the most probable route of transmission?

Contaminated medical equipment leading to nosocomial spread. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly matches the antiviral medication to the herpesvirus it primarily targets?

Acyclovir for specific infections caused by HSV and VZV. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic differentiating beta herpesviruses from alpha herpesviruses?

Beta herpesviruses have longer reproductive life cycles, taking days to progress in cell culture. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a preventive measure specifically mentioned for VZV infection in normal children?

Live attenuated vaccine. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is LEAST likely to be associated with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) syndrome?

Peripheral neuropathy. (F) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following distinguishes human herpesvirus 6 and 7 (HHV-6 and HHV-7) from other herpesviruses?

Association with exanthem subitum or roseola. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with pneumonitis, esophagitis, hepatitis and colitis. Which herpes simplex virus is MOST likely the causative agent?

Herpes simplex virus (HSV). (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which CMV is acquired early in life, excluding congenital transmission?

Contact with infected maternal genital secretions, blood transfusions, or breast milk. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the typical progression of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection in immunocompromised patients?

Secondary bacterial infection, pneumonitis, hepatitis, cutaneous dissemination, and visceral complications. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most likely outcome of primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in older children and adults?

Asymptomatic infection. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which therapeutic intervention is most appropriate for treating life-threatening CMV infection in an immunocompromised patient?

CMV immune globulin along with antiviral drugs. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying the latency patterns of different herpesviruses. What is the most likely site of latency for alpha herpesviruses?

Sensory nerve ganglia. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A clinician suspects a patient has mononucleosis caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV). Which differentiating factor, compared to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) mononucleosis, would support this diagnosis?

Absence of heterophile antibodies. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of understanding the reproductive life cycle differences between alpha and beta herpesviruses in clinical practice?

It informs the duration of isolation precautions needed to prevent nosocomial spread. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A pregnant woman is diagnosed with primary CMV infection during her first trimester. What is the MOST significant concern regarding potential fetal outcomes?

Development of congenital cytomegalovirus syndrome with severe neurological sequelae. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of herpesvirus infections, what is the main purpose of passive immunization?

To provide immediate, but temporary, protection by administering pre-formed antibodies. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A patient develops retinitis following an organ transplant. Which herpesvirus is MOST likely responsible, and what is the preferred treatment?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), treated with ganciclovir or foscarnet. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which key factor determines the clinical management approach for herpesvirus infections?

The specific herpesvirus involved and the patient's immune status. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Following a diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma, what additional diagnostic test is MOST crucial for assessing the patient's overall health and prognosis?

CD4+ T cell count to assess for HIV/AIDS. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A child presents with a sudden onset of high fever followed by a characteristic rash as the fever subsides. Which herpesvirus is MOST likely responsible for this presentation?

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios poses the highest risk of severe complications from varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection?

An immunocompromised child undergoing chemotherapy exposed to a sibling with chickenpox. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of herpesvirus biology is MOST critical for developing effective long-term treatment strategies?

The ability of herpesviruses to establish latency and reactivate under certain conditions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is investigating potential therapeutic targets for herpes simplex virus (HSV). Which viral process would offer the MOST selective target with minimal off-target effects on host cells?

Disruption of viral tegument protein function. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A community outbreak of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is occurring, and public health officials are deciding on the best course of action. What intervention would be MOST effective in controlling the spread?

Targeted vaccination of susceptible individuals and post-exposure prophylaxis with VZIG. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the role of cell-mediated immunity in controlling herpesvirus infections?

Cell-mediated immunity is crucial for clearing active herpesvirus infections and preventing reactivation from latency. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with AIDS presents with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Although PML is typically associated with JC virus, which herpesvirus could potentially be a contributing factor in immunocompromised individuals?

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). (D) Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of herpesvirus infection is the virus MOST susceptible to antiviral medications like acyclovir and ganciclovir?

Acute infection, characterized by active viral replication and shedding. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best explains the concept of viral tropism in the context of herpesvirus infections?

Viral tropism describes the specific cell types or tissues that a virus preferentially infects. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Human Herpes Viruses

Eight herpes virus species routinely isolated from humans.

Alpha Herpes Viruses

Alpha herpes viruses have a very short reproductive cycle, prompt host cell destruction and can replicate in a wide variety of host tissues. They establish latent infection in sensory nerve ganglia.