Which of the following statements regarding the structure of hepatitis E virus is correct?
- A It is an enveloped double-stranded RNA virus of the family Reoviridae
- B It is a non-enveloped icosahedral virus with a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome, now placed in the family Hepeviridae ✓
- C It is a circular partially double-stranded DNA virus requiring a helper virus
- D It is an enveloped flavivirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes
Correct answer: B. It is a non-enveloped icosahedral virus with a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome, now placed in the family Hepeviridae
Explanation
Hepatitis E virus was historically grouped with caliciviruses but is now classified in the family Hepeviridae. It is a small non-enveloped icosahedral particle carrying a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome with three open reading frames. The double-stranded RNA description fits reoviruses, the circular DNA description fits hepatitis B with its helper dependence on HDV, and the enveloped flavivirus description fits dengue and yellow fever.
Reference: Ananthanarayan and Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 12th ed.
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