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Microbiology · Picornaviruses (enteroviruses, poliomyelitis, Coxsackie, ECHO, rhinoviruses, hepatitis A)

Rhinoviruses

Rhinovirus

Rhinoviruses are RNA-containing pathogens that serve as the primary cause of classic colds and acute respiratory viral infections. Their vast antigenic diversity allows them to regularly evade immune defense, causing recurrent episodes of illness.

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FamilyPicornaviridae (genus Enterovirus)
GenomeRNA-containing viruses
SerotypesMore than 100 variants
Cellular receptorIntercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1)
2 min readFor medical studentsUpdated Sep 25, 2026
Material prepared by WhiteCoat Pro editorial team based on platform study guidesReviewed by medical editor: Aulov A. A., general practitioner · 09/24/2026

Taxonomy and biological properties

The pathogens belong to the extensive family Picornaviridae and are part of the genus Enterovirus. Their genetic material is represented by an RNA molecule. A key feature of this group is their colossal antigenic diversity: to date, more than 100 different serotypes have been discovered. This exact fact is the primary explanation for why people suffer from colds so frequently—immunity to one serotype does not protect against infection by another.

Epidemiology and transmission routes

The natural entry gates for the infection are the mucous membranes of the nose, oral cavity, and the conjunctiva of the eyes. The spread of the pathogen in the population occurs through two main routes:

  • Aerogenic (airborne) — via sneezing, coughing, and talking.
  • Contact (including contact-household) — through contaminated hands and everyday items.
Test your knowledge on this topicAssignments from the Microbiology course bank — instant answers and explanations.

Pathogenesis of infection

The main pathology caused by these agents is acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), affecting predominantly the upper respiratory tract.

To penetrate inside the host cell, the virus uses specific receptor interaction. The target is intercellular adhesion molecule type 1, known as ICAM-1. This molecule is located on the surface of various cells in the body, including epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. By binding to ICAM-1, the viral particle initiates the uptake process and begins its replication cycle.

Microbiological diagnostics

In routine practice, exact identification of the cold pathogen is rarely required, but two main approaches are used for laboratory confirmation:

  1. Virological method. Consists of isolating the pathogen on specialized cell cultures. Subsequently, the presence of the viral antigen is confirmed using the immunofluorescence assay (IFA).
  2. Serological method. Based on assessing the patient's immune response. For this, paired blood sera of the patient are studied in the neutralization test (NT), evaluating the increase in the titer of specific antibodies.

Briefly: answers to topical questions

What is the morphology and structure of the rhinovirus virion (presence of an envelope, type of symmetry)?

Rhinoviruses are small non-enveloped viruses that lack a lipid envelope.

Key characteristics of the virion structure:

  • Size — about 20 nm.
  • Genome — single-stranded linear (+)RNA.
  • Capsid — has an icosahedral (cubic) type of symmetry; the virion shape is an icosahedron.
  • Surface structures — capsid proteins that bind to the ICAM-1 adhesion receptor to penetrate fibroblasts and other susceptible cells.
How to memorize

To remember the transmission routes and entry gates, imagine a face: NOSE (airborne), MOUTH and EYES (contact — rubbing eyes with dirty hands).

Class and exam questions

Why can a person contract a rhinovirus infection multiple times in one season?

More than 100 serotypes of the virus circulate in nature. Following an infection, type-specific immunity develops, which does not protect against other variants.

Which receptor does the virus need to infect a cell?

The pathogen binds to intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (ICAM-1), which is expressed on epithelial cells, endothelium, and fibroblasts.

What family do rhinoviruses belong to?

They belong to the family of picornaviruses (Picornaviridae), genus of enteroviruses (Enterovirus).

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What else to study on this topic

  • Structure and functions of the intercellular adhesion molecule ICAM-1.
  • Features of replication of RNA-containing viruses of the family Picornaviridae.
  • Methodology of the immunofluorescence assay (IFA) in virology.
  • Rules for collection and study of paired sera for serological diagnostics.

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Other topics in the section "Picornaviruses (enteroviruses, poliomyelitis, Coxsackie, ECHO, rhinoviruses, hepatitis A)"

PicornavirusesEnterovirusesPoliovirusCoxsackieviruses and ECHO virusesHepatitis A virus
The entire section "Picornaviruses (enteroviruses, poliomyelitis, Coxsackie, ECHO, rhinoviruses, hepatitis A)"

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