which of the following viruses is an RNA virus that causes many casrs of transfusion hepatitis? Mutiple Choice
Cytimegalovirus
Hepatitis B virus
Hepatitis C virus
Epstein Barr virus
Adenovirus
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is Hepatitis C virus.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an RNA virus that is primarily responsible for causing transfusion-related hepatitis. This virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family and is transmitted mainly through blood-to-blood contact, which is why it has been strongly associated with blood transfusions, especially prior to the widespread implementation of blood screening methods. Hepatitis C infection can be acute or chronic, with chronic infection being a significant concern due to its potential to lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).
HCV is an RNA virus, meaning it carries its genetic material in the form of ribonucleic acid (RNA) rather than the more stable deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) found in other viruses like Hepatitis B. This RNA nature of HCV allows for a higher mutation rate, which complicates the development of effective vaccines and treatment options. This high mutation rate is also responsible for the virus’s ability to evade the immune system.
The other viruses listed in the options are associated with different conditions:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a DNA virus and is associated with a variety of diseases, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, such as organ transplant recipients or HIV-infected patients. It is not primarily responsible for transfusion-related hepatitis.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a DNA virus and can also cause hepatitis, but it is not typically transmitted via transfusion in the same way as Hepatitis C. HBV infection can also lead to chronic liver disease, but its main transmission routes include sexual contact, vertical transmission (from mother to child), and sharing needles.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is another DNA virus that is linked to infectious mononucleosis (mono) and is not related to transfusion-related hepatitis.
- Adenovirus is a DNA virus and causes a variety of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and eye infections, but it is not linked to transfusion-related hepatitis.
In summary, Hepatitis C virus is the correct answer because it is an RNA virus directly linked to transfusion-associated hepatitis.