Ultra-microscopic viruses are the main cause of which disease?

Ultra-microscopic viruses are submicroscopic infectious agents that can only replicate inside living host cells. Unlike bacteria, viruses are much smaller and cannot survive independently. Certain diseases in humans are caused by these viruses, including measles, which is highly contagious and spreads through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing.

Measles is caused by the measles virus, which is an RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family. The disease is characterized by high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive skin rash. Measles primarily affects children but can infect unvaccinated adults as well. The virus enters the body through the respiratory tract and multiplies in the nasopharyngeal epithelium, eventually spreading to the bloodstream and causing systemic symptoms.

Other options are incorrect:

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  Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are protozoans transmitted by mosquitoes, not viruses.

  
  


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  Mumps is also caused by a virus, but it specifically affects the salivary glands rather than causing measles-like systemic infection.

  
  


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  Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, not a virus.

  
  

Understanding the viral origin of diseases like measles is crucial in Biology, especially for public health awareness and vaccination programs. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is an effective preventive measure that protects children from these viral infections. Studying ultra-microscopic viruses helps students learn about disease transmission, viral replication, immunity, and prevention.

In summary, measles is a classic example of a disease caused by ultra-microscopic viruses, highlighting the importance of virology, preventive medicine, and immunology in everyday science.