Question 5

Rhinovirus causes upper respiratory infection.

Rhinovirus is primarily responsible for upper respiratory infections, commonly recognized as the cold. This virus is the most frequent cause of these infections, leading to symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, and cough.

A) Hand-foot-mouth disease

Hand-foot-mouth disease is caused by different viruses, primarily coxsackievirus, and is characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Therefore, it is incorrect to attribute this condition to rhinovirus.

B) Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, often referred to as "mono," is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and is associated with symptoms like fatigue, fever, and sore throat. This condition is unrelated to rhinovirus, making this option incorrect.

C) Upper respiratory infection

Rhinovirus is indeed the leading cause of upper respiratory infections. It infects the upper respiratory tract and is responsible for the vast majority of common cold cases, confirming that this is the correct answer.

D) Erythema infectiousum

Erythema infectiousum, also known as fifth disease, is primarily caused by parvovirus B19 and is characterized by a distinctive rash. This condition does not relate to rhinovirus, thus making this option incorrect.

Conclusion

Rhinovirus is definitively linked to upper respiratory infections, distinguishing it from other viral diseases listed in the choices. The other options reflect conditions caused by different viruses, confirming that they do not pertain to rhinovirus. Hence, choice C is the accurate answer to the question posed.