Question

Explain the difference between antigenic drift and antigenic shift in regards to influenza (10 pts)

Answer 1

SOLUTION- As we know that influenza strains are constantly mutating so if smaller changes occur in genetic makeup of influenza strains is said to be as antigenic drift while if bigger changes occur in genetic makeup of influenza strains it is said to be antigenic shift in antigenic drift influenza A and B viruses undergoes but antigenic shift typically occurs when human flue virus cross over with flue virus that affects animals like pigs. In antigenic drift mutation in the virus's genes can lead to changes in its surface proteins.these are recognised by immune system.in antigenic shift when viruses mutate they shift to create new similar subtype

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