Q.70. Which one of the following diseases is treated by a neuraminidase inhibitor?
(A) Chickenpox
(B) Polio
(C) Influenza
(D) Japanese encephalitis
Neuraminidase inhibitors treat influenza by blocking the viral enzyme needed for release from host cells. The correct answer is option (C) Influenza.
Correct Answer
C. Influenza
Neuraminidase inhibitors like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) target the neuraminidase protein on influenza A and B viruses. These drugs prevent virus spread by inhibiting cleavage of sialic acid residues, reducing replication and symptom duration when given early.
Option Analysis
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A. Chickenpox: Caused by varicella-zoster virus (herpesvirus family). Acyclovir or valacyclovir treats it by inhibiting viral DNA polymerase; neuraminidase inhibitors do not apply.
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B. Polio: Results from poliovirus (enterovirus). No specific antiviral exists; supportive care and vaccines prevent it. Neuraminidase inhibitors target influenza, not picornaviruses.
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C. Influenza: Matches perfectly, as confirmed. Effective against both strains A and B.
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D. Japanese encephalitis: Arbovirus (flavivirus) transmitted by mosquitoes. No antiviral treatment; supportive care used. Neuraminidase irrelevant here.
| Disease | Causative Agent | Standard Treatment | Neuraminidase Inhibitor? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chickenpox | Varicella-zoster | Acyclovir | No |
| Polio | Poliovirus | Supportive | No |
| Influenza | Influenza A/B | Oseltamivir/Zanamivir | Yes |
| Japanese encephalitis | Flavivirus | Supportive | No |
