Lassa fever virus belongs to family
**Core Concept**
Lassa fever virus is a member of the Arenaviridae family, which includes several other viruses that cause hemorrhagic fevers in humans. These viruses are typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their excreta.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The Lassa fever virus is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is primarily spread through contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents, particularly the multimammate mouse. The virus enters the human body through mucous membranes or cuts and abrasions, where it replicates and causes a range of symptoms including fever, hemorrhaging, and in severe cases, death. The Arenaviridae family is characterized by its unique replication cycle, which involves the formation of viral nucleocapsids and the release of new virus particles.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because Lassa fever virus does not belong to the Filoviridae family, which includes viruses such as Ebola and Marburg that cause similar hemorrhagic fevers but have distinct genetic and structural characteristics.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because Lassa fever virus does not belong to the Bunyaviridae family, which includes viruses such as Hantavirus and Rift Valley Fever virus that cause different types of diseases.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because Lassa fever virus does not belong to the Paramyxoviridae family, which includes viruses such as measles and mumps that cause respiratory and other diseases.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect because Lassa fever virus does not belong to the Coronaviridae family, which includes viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV that cause respiratory diseases.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The Arenaviridae family includes several viruses that are transmitted through contact with infected rodents, highlighting the importance of proper hygiene and rodent control measures in preventing the spread of these diseases.
**Correct Answer: A. Arenaviridae.**