Which disease is caused by myxovirus?

AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Microbiology

Medium

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Explanation

Mumps is caused by the Mumps virus, which is an RNA virus belonging to the genus Rubulavirus within the Paramyxoviridae family.
Historically, viruses in the Paramyxoviridae family (like mumps) and Orthomyxoviridae family (like influenza) were grouped together as 'myxoviruses' because of their ability to bind to mucoproteins on cell surfaces.
The scientific name for the mumps virus is sometimes cited by its older classification, Myxovirus parotiditis, directly linking it to the term in the question.
The primary clinical feature of mumps is parotitis, the painful swelling of one or both parotid salivary glands.

Option A: Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection, not a viral one. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
Option B: Rubella (German measles) is caused by the Rubella virus, which belongs to the Togaviridae family, not the Paramyxoviridae (myxovirus) family.
Option C: Chicken pox is caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), which is a member of the Herpesviridae family (a type of herpesvirus), not a myxovirus.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Causative agents of common infectious diseases and viral classifications helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding the causative agent (virus vs. bacterium) is fundamental for nurses as it dictates the treatment plan (antibiotics are ineffective against viruses) and prevention strategies (e.g., MMR vaccine for Mumps, Measles, and Rubella).
Nurses play a key role in educating patients and parents about the importance of the MMR vaccine, which provides immunity against mumps and prevents its complications like orchitis (testicular inflammation), meningitis, and deafness.
What if? If a post-pubertal male patient presents with mumps, the nurse must be vigilant in monitoring for signs of orchitis, such as testicular pain and swelling, as this is a common and painful complication that can, in rare cases, affect fertility.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem: 'myxovirus'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of microbiology and infectious diseases.
Recall or deduce the causative agent for each of the four options provided.
Whooping cough is bacterial (Bordetella pertussis). Rubella is caused by the Rubella virus (Togavirus). Chicken pox is caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus (Herpesvirus).
Recall that 'myxovirus' is an older classification that includes paramyxoviruses. The mumps virus is a paramyxovirus.
Therefore, Mumps is the correct answer as it is the only option caused by a virus historically classified as a myxovirus.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Causative agents of common infectious diseases and viral classifications.
Stem keywords: disease, caused by, myxovirus
Lead-in keywords: Which
Negative lead-in flag: false

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