IBR is typically caused by which type of pathogen?

IBR is typically caused by which type of pathogen?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Virus
• C. Fungus
• D. Prion

Answer: (B)

IBR is a viral disease. The primary cause is bovine herpesvirus-1, a member of the Herpesviridae family. Because this disease is driven by a virus, it is categorized as a viral infection rather than bacterial, fungal, or prion. Viruses replicate inside host cells and can establish latency with possible reactivation, which is a hallmark of herpesviruses. While bacteria or fungi can cause respiratory signs that resemble IBR, the specific etiologic agent of IBR is a virus. Prions cause neurodegenerative diseases, not the respiratory/oculogenital syndrome seen with IBR. So the pathogen type responsible is a virus.

IBR is a viral disease. The primary cause is bovine herpesvirus-1, a member of the Herpesviridae family. Because this disease is driven by a virus, it is categorized as a viral infection rather than bacterial, fungal, or prion. Viruses replicate inside host cells and can establish latency with possible reactivation, which is a hallmark of herpesviruses. While bacteria or fungi can cause respiratory signs that resemble IBR, the specific etiologic agent of IBR is a virus. Prions cause neurodegenerative diseases, not the respiratory/oculogenital syndrome seen with IBR. So the pathogen type responsible is a virus.