An outbreak of respiratory disease that leads to pneumonia occurs in a nursing home. It is characterized by an interstitial x-ray pattern and both amantadine and zanamivir are effective treatments. What is the causative agent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The M2 protein of the influenza A virus forms a protein channel that facilitates uncoating of the virus. Amantadine inhibits channel function of influenza A virus, but not influenza B virus. Zanamivir inhibits the viral neuraminidase of both influenza A and B viruses.

An Outbreak of Respiratory Disease That Leads to Pneumonia Occurs