Journal of Antivirals & Antiretrovirals
Open Access

The Rhinovirus: Understanding the Common Colds antigen and Its Impact on Human Health

Hongei Cheg^{* *}Correspondence: Hongei Cheg, Department of Virology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China, Email:

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Description

Rhinoviruses belongs to the genus Enterovirus of the Picornaviridae family, is the real reason behind common cold. While often perceived as a less infecting, the rhinovirus contributes significantly to worldwide sickness, places a large economic burden to the people, and effects daily life.

Physiology of this virus is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and therapeutic interventions. In this article, we delve into the characteristics, transmission, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods associated with the rhinovirus, shedding light on its impact on human health.

Characteristics of the rhinovirus

The rhinovirus is an RNA virus, specifically belonging to the genus Enterovirus within the picornavirus family. There are over 160 distinct serotypes of rhinovirus, making it highly diverse. Its name originates from the Greek "rhino," meaning nose, emphasizing its primary site of infection. Rhinoviruses are small, measuring approximately 30 nanometers in diameter, and are composed of an outer protein shell encapsulating the viral RNA genome. This shell protects the viral RNA from host immune responses and environmental degradation.

Transmission and clinical manifestations

Rhinoviruses are transmitted primarily through direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as sneezing, coughing, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. They can survive for hours on surfaces, making transmission through fomites common. Once the virus enters the respiratory tract, it attaches to specific receptors on the surface of nasal epithelial cells, initiating infection. Clinical manifestations of rhinovirus infection typically appear one to three days after exposure. Symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache, and mild fatigue. While most infections resolve within a week, some individuals may experience more severe symptoms, such as high fever, sinus pain, or lower respiratory tract involvement, particularly in young children, the elderly, or individuals with weakened immune systems. Rhinovirus infections can also exacerbate underlying respiratory conditions, such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Diagnosing rhinovirus infections primarily relies on clinical evaluation and patient history. However, laboratory tests, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays or viral culture, can confirm the presence of rhinovirus and distinguish it from other respiratory pathogens. As there is no specific antiviral treatment for rhinovirus infections, management is focused on symptom relief. Over-the-counter medications, such as decongestants, analgesics, or cough suppressants, can alleviate symptoms. Rest, hydration, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are also essential for recovery. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like rhinovirus and should not be prescribed unless secondary bacterial infections occur. Preventing rhinovirus transmission involves adopting good hygiene practices. Frequent hand washing with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Covering the mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces also play important roles in prevention.

Conclusion

The rhinovirus, as the primary cause of the common cold, impacts millions of people worldwide each year. Despite its seemingly mild nature, it contributes to substantial economic costs, healthcare utilization, and compromised productivity.

Greater awareness and understanding of the rhinovirus can empower individuals to adopt effective preventive measures and minimize the impact of its infections. Furthermore, ongoing research into the diverse serotypes of rhinovirus and their molecular mechanisms will aid in the development of targeted therapeutic interventions, potentially leading to more effective treatments for rhinovirus-related illnesses in the future.