Rhinovirus

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Rhinovirus
Isosurface of a human rhinovirus, showing protein spikes
Rhinovirus
Scientific classificationEdit this classification
(unranked): Virus
Realm: Riboviria
Kingdom: Orthornavirae
Phylum: Pisuviricota
Class: Pisoniviricetes
Order: Picornavirales
Family:
Picornaviridae
Genus: Enterovirus
Groups included
  • Rhinovirus A
  • Rhinovirus B
  • Rhinovirus C
Cladistically included but traditionally excluded taxa

The rhinovirus (from the

Picornaviridae. Rhinovirus is the most common viral infectious agent in humans and is the predominant cause of the common cold
.

The three species of rhinovirus (A, B, and C) include at least 165 recognized types that differ according to their surface

are around 80–120 nm.

Rhinoviruses are transmitted through aerosols, respiratory droplets, fomites, and direct person-to-person contact.[2] They primarily infect nasal epithelial cells in the airway and cause mild symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion.[3][4] However, rhinovirus infection can cause more severe disease in infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. Rhinoviruses are also recognized as a major cause of asthma exacerbations.[5]

As of December 2023, there are no FDA-approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for rhinovirus infection.[4]

History

In 1953, when a cluster of nurses developed a mild respiratory illness, Winston Price, from the Johns Hopkins University, took nasal passage samples and isolated the first rhinovirus, which he called the JH virus, named after Johns Hopkins.[6][7] His findings were published in 1956.[8]

In 2006, advancements in molecular testing techniques for identifying rhinoviruses in clinical specimens led to the discovery of rhinovirus C species in samples from Queensland, Australia and New York City, United States. The ICTV formally designated RV-C as a separate species in 2009.[3]

Transmission

Rhinoviruses may be spread via airborne

aerosols, respiratory droplets and from fomites (contaminated surfaces), including direct person-to-person contact.[2]
Rhinoviruses can survive on surfaces such as stainless steel or plastic for several hours. Airborne precautions[9] are likely effective in reducing transmission, while other precautions such as hand-washing or cleaning surfaces with disinfectants are known effective in preventing rhinovirus transmission.[10]

Signs and symptoms