To which family does the SARS virus belong?

Appeared in: Maharashtra CHO - 2020

Explanation

The SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus, known as SARS-CoV, is a member of the Coronaviridae family.
This family is named for the crown-like spikes ('corona') on the surface of the viruses, which are visible under electron microscopy.
Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses that possess a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA ((+)ssRNA) genome.
Other notable human pathogens in this family include MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Option A: Picornaviridae are small, non-enveloped viruses. The SARS virus is a larger, enveloped virus.
Option B: Herpesviridae are double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses. The SARS virus has an RNA genome.
Option D: The Bunyavirales order, which includes families like Hantaviridae, contains negative-sense, segmented RNA viruses. SARS-CoV has a positive-sense, non-segmented RNA genome.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Viral classification and identification of the family for the SARS virus as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Knowing the viral family helps predict transmission routes and guide infection control measures. For Coronaviridae, this means anticipating respiratory transmission and the need for airborne and contact precautions.
The emergence of three deadly coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2) in the 21st century highlights the pandemic potential of this viral family due to zoonotic spillover.
What if the virus was from the Picornaviridae family? Being non-enveloped, it would be more resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers, making handwashing with soap and water even more critical for prevention.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing your knowledge of basic virology.
Identify the key term in the question: 'SARS virus'.
Recall that SARS is a type of 'coronavirus'. The name of the family, Coronaviridae, is directly derived from this.
Evaluate the options. 'Coronaviridae' is the clear match.
Briefly review the other options to confirm they are incorrect. Herpesviridae are DNA viruses (e.g., chickenpox). Picornaviridae are small RNA viruses (e.g., polio). Bunyaviridae are a different group of RNA viruses (e.g., Hantavirus).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Viral classification and identification of the family for the SARS virus.
Stem keywords: SARS virus, family
Lead-in keywords: To which family

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 pp. 1521-1523, 1575-1577

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 2043-2045

Practise the full Maharashtra CHO - 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.