Plague of Galen Trivia Quiz

Answer: Paramyxoviridae

Measles virus belongs to the family of viruses called Paramyxoviridae. The measles virus (MV) causes the disease measles, which is highly contagious and has only RNA as its genetic material, so is classified as an RNA virus.

The smallpox virus belongs to the family Poxviridae. Two strains of smallpox viruses cause smallpox - the variola major and the variola minor. Both these strains have only DNA as their genetic material and are thus classified as DNA viruses.

Answer: Skin rashes

In smallpox, the disease would be characterized by fever, body pain, headache, and gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea and diarrhea. Later, rashes would begin starting in the mouth and then on the skin. The pattern of rash on the skin was not limited to a specific part of the body. It would spread to all parts of the body including the face.

In measles, the symptoms include fever, body pain, cold, headache and spots on the mouth, palate and nose. Typically, a rash would start on the face and then spread to the rest of the body. Diarrhea and dehydration is also common in cases of measles.

Answer: Hemorrhagic smallpox

Hemorrhagic smallpox or black pox is a type of small pox which causes bleeding into the skin and other parts. Sometimes, this bleeding would occur under the skin, giving it a charred and black appearance. Other types of small pox include malignant or flat smallpox.

Lucius Verus, a Roman emperor, died because of this pandemic in 169 A.D, after coming back from a battle along with lots of his statesmen.

Answer: Koplik's spots

Koplik's spots are characteristic of the disease measles. They are seen on the inside the mouth (including on the palate) during the early stage of the disease. They usually disappear by the time the rashes on the skin develop.

If only Henry Koplik, a pediatrician who identified the Koplik's spots in the late 1890s, had been present in the Roman Empire! We could've been sure it was measles and not smallpox!

Answer: No animals are known to have transmitted both measles and smallpox

There have been no recordings of smallpox or measles viruses being transmitted to humans by animals. In fact, measles does not have any known animal carriers. Smallpox was shown to infect animals only in a laboratory setting but no case was ever recorded as having been borne from an animal-human transmission mode.

Both smallpox and measles can be transmitted through contact and inhalation.

Answer: All them

A clinical examination and detailed history are important for the diagnosis of measles as some symptoms may be specific for the disease. Also, as this disease is highly contagious, it is also important to understand the contact history of the patient. Laboratory studies for the diagnosis of measles involve specimens from nasal swabs, saliva, urine, blood, etc.

A test for IgM antibodies against measles can be done for diagnosis. A PCR (polymerization chain reaction) test is a modern test that can be carried out to diagnose measles.

Answer: Guarnieri bodies

The Guarnieri bodies were formed by proteins associated with the smallpox virus. These inclusions could be seen inside the cytoplasm of human cells that were affected by the virus. These cytoplasmic inclusions were characteristic of smallpox. These bodies are where the smallpox virus replicates.

These inclusions were present in the cells of most cases of smallpox and if the Roman Empire had a microscope with modern stains, they could've confirmed if the monstrous plague was smallpox.

Answer: Inactivated virus particles

The presence and spread of measles around the world has reduced with the advent of vaccines. Children are often vaccinated for measles, especially in developing countries. Vaccination against measles is usually given in conjugation with other vaccines for diseases like mumps and rubella. Measles vaccination can also be given separately. Measles vaccine is an attenuated vaccine, which contains inactivated forms of the virus.

Answer: Eradication

Smallpox was reported eradicated in the year 1979. Eradication of an infectious disease means that the agent causing the disease no longer occurs and there is no longer any active or subclinical case in the world. The eradication of the smallpox disease was a joint effort by all the leading health organizations in the world which included the WHO.

The smallpox virus is now present in only a few laboratories in the world for research purposes.

Answer: Supportive therapy with hydration

The treatment for measles is mostly supportive therapy with adequate hydration. Fever can be reduced with drugs like paracetamol. These analgesics will also help with pain. There is no specific drug that cures measles and there is no need for surgery. Measles commonly occurs in children.