What is meant by a shift and a drift mutation in viruses?
Antigenic Drift - The mutation in the virus brings out the minor
change in the structure. This mutation slightly changes the virus
protein coat so it looks different virus to our immune system. So
antibody in our body created last time to the old strain is no
longer response to this new virus. Thats why we get sick with the
flu more than once.
Influenza A and B virus undergoes Antigenic drift.
Antigenic shift - The mutation in the virus brings out the major
changes in the influenza virus.This shift brings a dramatic cross
over between birds to animals, pigs to animals or viceversa.
This muatation create a new subtype of virus that is totally
different from the normal strain.
Example, Bird flu, swine flu
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