A patient presents with clusters of painful vesicles on the genitalia. Laboratory tests confirm the presence of a viral infection. What type of virus is responsible for these symptoms?
Group of answer choices
- Retrovirus
- Double-stranded DNA virus
- Double-stranded RNA virus
- Single-stranded RNA virus
The correct answer is: Double-stranded DNA virus
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Explanation:
The clinical presentation of painful genital vesicles is classic for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, most commonly HSV-2 (though HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes).
Key Features of HSV:
- Virus type: HSV is a double-stranded DNA virus (family Herpesviridae).
- Transmission: Sexual contact or direct mucosal/skin exposure.
- Symptoms:
- Clusters of painful vesicles that ulcerate and crust over.
- May include prodromal tingling, itching, or burning.
- Recurrent outbreaks possible due to viral latency in nerve ganglia.
Why Not the Others?
- Retrovirus (e.g., HIV): Causes systemic immunosuppression, not localized vesicular lesions.
- Double-stranded RNA virus (e.g., rotavirus): Primarily causes gastroenteritis.
- Single-stranded RNA virus (e.g., HCV, influenza): Not associated with genital vesicular rashes.
Thus, HSV (a double-stranded DNA virus) is the causative agent.
