Colds

Rhinovirus

A 27 year old man comes into the clinic complaining of an acute sore throat, rhinorrhea, hoarseness, and non-productive cough. The symptoms started a few days ago. He is afebrile and does not complain of chills but sneezes frequently during the interview. No other symptoms are present.

Labs: Acid-labile RNA nonenveloped virus that replicates better at 33 degrees Celsius than 37 degrees Celsius. The virus can be cultured but this is rarely done.

Discussion: Diagnosis of the common cold caused by Rhinovirus can be accomplished by cell culture of nasal secretions and isolation of the virus. This however, is usually not done. In a clinical setting, determining the viral cause of the common cold is low yield. The main signs and symptoms are nasal discharge and obstruction, sore or scratchy throat, cough and sneezing.

For more information on Rhinovirus, click here.