Mycology and Virology (5021)

Viral Infections of
the Respiratory
Tract
Submitted by:
Julianna Viktoria F. Tumibay
Submitted to:
Sir Leonard John Bulan, RMT
 Influenza (FLU)
Morphology Influenza viruses belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family and
are spherical or filamentous in shape.
Diagnosis Diagnosis is often based on clinical symptoms, but laboratory
tests like rapid antigen detection, polymerase chain reaction
(PCR), or viral culture can confirm the infection. Rapid
influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) are used in clinical settings,
but they have lower sensitivity compared to RT-PCR methods
and their reliability depends largely on the conditions under
which they are used
Signs and High fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, headache,
Symptoms and nasal congestion. Illnesses range from mild to severe and
even death. Hospitalization and death occur mainly among
high risk groups.

Treatment Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), can be

prescribed to reduce symptoms and duration of illness.

Prevention Annual influenza vaccination, proper hand hygiene, covering

mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing, and avoiding close
contact with infected individuals. Influenza vaccine is most
effective when circulating viruses are well-matched with
viruses contained in vaccines.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Morphology RSV belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and has a
pleomorphic appearance. RSV morphology varies, with the
overall structure being filamentous. Filaments may be
straight, bent, or branched.
Diagnosis: Testing can be done using respiratory samples, such as nasal
swabs, for antigen detection, PCR, or viral culture
Signs and Runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, wheezing, and difficulty
Symptoms breathing, especially in infants and young children.

Treatment Supportive care is usually provided, including rest, hydration,

and fever-reducing medications. Severe cases may require
hospitalization.

Prevention Frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected

individuals, and ensuring good respiratory hygiene.
 Rhinovirus (Common Cold)
Morphology Rhinoviruses belong to the Picornaviridae family and are
small, non-enveloped viruses with an icosahedral capsid.

Diagnosis: Usually diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, but PCR or

viral culture can be performed in research or severe cases.

Signs and Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, mild
Symptoms headache, and low-grade fever.

Treatment No specific antiviral treatment is available. Symptomatic relief

can be achieved with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter
medications.

Prevention Frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected

individuals, and practicing good respiratory hygiene.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Morphology SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, is an enveloped
virus with a characteristic crown-like appearance. The
structure of SARS-CoV-2 is found to be similar to SARS-CoV
with virion size ranging from 70 to 90 nm. Spike, membrane,
and envelope surface viral proteins of coronavirus are
embedded in host membrane-derived lipid bilayer
encapsulating the helical nucleocapsid comprising viral RNA.
Diagnosis: Testing involves real-time PCR on respiratory samples, such
as nasal or throat swabs.

Signs and Fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body

Symptoms aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and headache.

Treatment Treatment varies based on the severity of symptoms but may

include supportive care, antiviral medications, and other
treatments targeting specific complications.

Prevention COVID-19 prevention measures include vaccination, wearing

masks, practicing physical distancing, frequent handwashing,
and following local health guidelines.
 Adenovirus
Morphology Adenoviruses are non-enveloped viruses with an icosahedral
capsid. They belong to the Adenoviridae family and have a
double-stranded DNA genome.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis of adenovirus infection can be made through
various methods viral culture, PCR (Polymerase Chain
Reaction), and Antigen Detection
Signs and Adenovirus infections can cause a range of symptoms,
Symptoms depending on the specific serotype and site of infection.
Common signs and symptoms include respiratory symptoms:
Sore throat, cough, runny nose, congestion, and sneezing, and
fever which is often accompanied by headache and body
aches.
Treatment There is no specific antiviral treatment for adenovirus
infections. Most cases resolve on their own with supportive
care. Treatment may include rest and hydration, over-the-
counter medication, and symptomatic relief like cough
suppressants and nasal decongestants may alleviate
respiratory symptoms.

Prevention Hand hygiene, Vaccination, Avoidance of close contact, and -

Respiratory hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
or your elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent the
spread of droplets

References:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-
sheets/detail/(seasonal)?gclid=CjwKCAjw44mlBhAQEiwAqP3eVqGrRfeyFwsRWIM2BZUl1mkm1ZaeEWGr
OzS9K2-VcnVEG1s1dwyPGBoC2NQQAvD_BwE

https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30127286/