Which of the following statements is TRUE about Rabies Virus:: (A) It is double stranded RNA virus, (B) Contains a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, (C) Negative sense RNA Genome, (D) Affects motor neurons
Answer is C. The Rabies virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, and is the prototypic member of the genus lyssavirus. It has a single-stranded, non-segmented, negative-sense RNA genome. The helical nucleocapsid is composed of a single-stranded negative-sense RNA genome and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enclosed in a matrix protein covered by a lipid bilayer envelope containing knob-like glycoprotein. Note - Negative-sense RNA virus replicates in the cytoplasm Ref: Microbiology By Jawetz, 20th Edition, Page 482 ; Rabies By Alan C. Jackson, William H. Wunner, 2007, Page 24