Which among the following belongs to dsRNA virus?

Appeared in: WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

The question asks to identify the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus from the given options.
Rice dwarf virus is a plant virus belonging to the genus Phytoreovirus, within the family Reoviridae.
A defining characteristic of the Reoviridae family is their segmented, double-stranded RNA genome.
Therefore, Rice dwarf virus is correctly identified as a dsRNA virus.

Option B: Rhabdovirus, the family that includes the rabies virus, possesses a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA (-ssRNA) genome, not a dsRNA genome.
Option C: Mosaic viruses, such as the well-known Tobacco Mosaic Virus, are characterized by a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) genome.
Option D: Papovavirus is a term for a group of viruses (now split into Papillomaviridae and Polyomaviridae) that have double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Viral classification based on genome type (dsRNA viruses) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While Rice dwarf virus infects plants, its family, Reoviridae, is clinically significant for nurses as it includes Rotavirus.
Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe, dehydrating gastroenteritis (diarrhea and vomiting) in infants and young children worldwide.
Nurses play a key role in administering the oral Rotavirus vaccine, educating parents about its importance in preventing severe disease, and managing dehydration in infected children.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'dsRNA virus'. This tells you the question is about viral classification based on genetic material.
Next, systematically evaluate each option, recalling or deducing its genome type.
Option A: Rice dwarf virus. Recall that this is in the Reoviridae family, which are classic dsRNA viruses.
Option B: Rhabdovirus. Associate this with Rabies, a well-known -ssRNA virus.
Option C: Mosaic virus. Associate this with Tobacco Mosaic Virus, a +ssRNA virus.
Option D: Papovavirus. Associate this with Papillomavirus (HPV), a dsDNA virus.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1704-1706

E6 Microbiology OneStop Sastry p. 20-22

Practise the full WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

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