Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Human Health and Disease

Question:

Common cold is caused by:

Options:

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Rhino virus

Haemophilus influenzae

Microsporum

Correct Answer:

Rhino virus

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) → Rhino virus

Many viruses cause diseases in human beings. Rhino viruses represent one such group of viruses which cause one of the most infectious human ailments – the common cold. They infect the nose and respiratory passage but not the lungs. The common cold is characterised by nasal congestion and discharge, sore throat, hoarseness, cough, headache, tiredness, etc., which usually last for 3-7 days. Droplets resulting from cough or sneezes of an infected person are either inhaled directly or transmitted through contaminated objects such as pens, books, cups, doorknobs, computer keyboard or mouse, etc., and cause infection in a healthy person.

Bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are responsible for the disease pneumonia in humans which infects the alveoli (air filled sacs) of the lungs. As a result of the infection, the alveoli get filled with fluid leading to severe problems in respiration. The symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chills, cough and headache. In severe cases, the lips and finger nails may turn gray to bluish in colour.

The fungi belonging to the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton cause an infection called ringworm. Dry scaly lesions are a common symptom of this fungal infection.