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Ch. 24 - Pathogenic DNA Viruses
Bauman - Microbiology with Diseases by Taxonomy 6th Edition
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBauman 6th EditionCh. 24 - Pathogenic DNA VirusesProblem 5
Chapter 24, Problem 5

Which of the following herpesvirus infections would be potentially most serious?
a. A whitlow
b. Ocular herpes
c. Shingles
d. Cytomegalovirus in a fetus

Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Understand the nature of each herpesvirus infection listed. A whitlow is a painful infection of the finger caused by herpes simplex virus, generally localized and treatable.
Step 2: Ocular herpes involves herpes simplex virus infection of the eye, which can cause serious complications like corneal scarring and vision loss if untreated.
Step 3: Shingles is caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus, leading to a painful rash and potential nerve damage, but it is usually self-limited in healthy individuals.
Step 4: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in a fetus can cause severe congenital abnormalities, including neurological damage, hearing loss, and developmental delays, making it potentially life-threatening.
Step 5: Compare the severity and potential outcomes of these infections, focusing on the impact on vulnerable populations such as fetuses, to determine which infection is most serious.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Herpesvirus Family and Disease Manifestations

Herpesviruses are a large family of DNA viruses causing various diseases, including cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox, and cytomegalovirus infections. Each virus has distinct clinical presentations and potential complications, influencing the severity of the infection.
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Severity and Risk Factors of Herpesvirus Infections

The seriousness of herpesvirus infections depends on the site affected and the host's condition. For example, infections in critical areas like the eye (ocular herpes) or in immunocompromised individuals can cause severe damage, while some infections may be mild or localized.
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Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during fetal development can cause severe congenital defects, including hearing loss, neurological damage, and developmental delays. This makes CMV infection in a fetus potentially more serious than localized herpesvirus infections in healthy individuals.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Which of the following statements is false?

a. B19 virus is the primary parvovirus of humans.

b. Erythema infectiosum is caused by a parvovirus.

c. In children, parvovirus infections are accompanied by a high mortality rate.

d. Parvovirus infection in humans results in infectious reddening of the skin.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following statements is true concerning variola major?

a. It carries a mortality rate of less than 1%.

b. It affects internal organs before appearing on the skin.

c. The causative virus has been totally eradicated from Earth.

d. The skin lesions it causes are smooth, waxy, tumorlike nodules on the face.

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Textbook Question

A man experienced a laboratory accident in which he was infected with adenovirus. What signs or symptoms might he exhibit?

a. Sore throat

b. Headache

c. Pinkeye

d. All of the above

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Textbook Question

What observation led scientists to understand the relationship between shingles and chickenpox?

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Textbook Question

Which of the following is an inflammatory condition of the liver?

a. Fifth disease

b. PML

c. Seed warts

d. Hepatitis

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Textbook Question

Most of the world’s population in less developed and developing countries have been infected with EBV human herpesvirus 4 by age one and show no ill effects, even where medical care is poor. In contrast, individuals in industrialized countries are ordinarily infected after puberty, and these older patients tend to have more severe reactions to infection despite better overall health and access to medical care. Explain this apparent paradox.

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