Which of the following infections is not caused by an RNA virus?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Explanation

Smallpox is caused by the Variola virus, which is a member of the Poxviridae family.
Poxviruses, including the Variola virus, are large, complex viruses that contain a double-stranded DNA genome.
This makes Smallpox a DNA virus infection, distinguishing it from the other options which are RNA virus infections.

Option A: Poliomyelitis is caused by the Poliovirus, which is a positive-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Picornaviridae family.
Option B: Mumps is caused by the Mumps virus, which is an RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family.
Option C: Rubella (German measles) is caused by the Rubella virus, which is an RNA virus belonging to the Togaviridae family.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of viruses based on their genetic material (DNA vs. RNA) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Knowing whether a virus is DNA or RNA-based is crucial for developing antiviral drugs. Many antivirals target specific enzymes involved in viral replication, which differ between DNA and RNA viruses.
This classification also impacts vaccine development. For example, RNA viruses often have higher mutation rates, which can be a challenge for creating long-lasting vaccines.
What if the question asked for a DNA virus that causes liver disease? The answer would be Hepatitis B virus (a Hepadnavirus), whereas Hepatitis A and C are caused by RNA viruses.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative framing of the question: 'which... is NOT...'. This means you are looking for the outlier in the group.
The key concept is the type of viral nucleic acid (RNA vs. DNA).
Recall or deduce the classification for the virus causing each disease: Poliomyelitis (Polio), Mumps, Rubella, and Smallpox.
Systematically evaluate each option: Poliovirus is RNA, Mumps virus is RNA, Rubella virus is RNA.
Identify Smallpox (Variola virus) as the exception. It is a well-known DNA virus.
Using a mnemonic like 'HHAPPPy' for DNA viruses can be a quick way to confirm that Poxvirus (Smallpox) is a DNA virus and that the others are not on the list.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of viruses based on their genetic material (DNA vs. RNA).
Stem keywords: infections, RNA virus
Lead-in keywords: not caused by
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the exception among the options.

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1977-1979

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 235-237

Practise the full MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

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