What Is Microbiology - Common Cold

​Common Cold 


Common cold is caused by rhinoviruses. There are 100 rhinovirus serotypes.

Rhinoviruses will  enter the nasopharynx by attaching to the intracellular adhesion of molecule - 1 receptor ( ICAM -1). Virus will be replicated in the epithelial cells of the nasal and finally the virus will be shed in the respiratory secretion. 

The common pathological and clinical condition ( nasal congestion, headache, mild pharyngitis, fever and sneezing ) are associated with chemical mediators ( prostaglandin and bradykinin) of the inflammation process. This chemical mediator may lead to stimulation of the cough reflexes , sneeze, vasodilation and secretion of mucus. 

Common cold will have the incubation period of 2- 3 days. Common cold is transmitted through hand to eye contact or hand to nose contact of the contaminated respiratory droplets or contaminated respiratory secretions. Hand washing is important to prevent developing common cold. 

There are no specific treatment for common cold.