Pop Quiz #157

The correct answer is C. Single stranded RNA. )

Explanation: The image, along with the vignette, describes Hand-foot-and-mouth (HFM) disease (see image Figure 3.10.4 and Table 3.10.1 in DIR). The causative agent is coxsackievirus A16, A6 which is a ssRNA picornavirus. This rash starts out as macules that progress to vesicles/pustules on the hands, feet, groin, and mucosa. Other symptoms include fever, anorexia, malaise, abdominal pain, myocarditis, pneumonia, and encephalitis. This condition usually resolves in 1 week, but the A6 variant can present with more severe blistering and widespread disease.

Wrong answer explanation:

  1. ssDNA viruses are not a common cause of HFM
  2. dsDNA viruses are not a common cause of HFM
  3. ssRNA is the correct answer
  4. dsRNA viruses are not a common cause of HFM
  5. Retroviruses are not a common cause of HFM

 

References: Pediatric Dermatology chapter, 3.10 Exanthematous Diseases of Childhood, DIR Review book page 208 2020.