study guides for every class that actually explain what's on your next test Antigenic shift
from class: Microbiology Definition Antigenic shift is a process in which two or more different strains of a virus, or viruses from different species, combine to form a new subtype with a mixture of surface antigens. This can lead to sudden and major changes in the virus's antigenic properties.
congrats on reading the definition of antigenic shift . now let's actually learn it.
Predict what's on your test 5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test Antigenic shift is most commonly associated with influenza A viruses. It can result in pandemics due to the lack of pre-existing immunity in the human population. The process typically involves the reassortment of RNA segments when two different strains infect the same host cell. Antigenic shift leads to significant changes that are not achievable by antigenic drift, which involves smaller, gradual mutations. It is responsible for major global outbreaks like the Spanish flu (H1N1) in 1918 and the H1N1 pandemic in 2009. Review Questions What types of viruses are primarily involved in antigenic shift? How does antigenic shift differ from antigenic drift? Why can antigenic shift lead to pandemics? "Antigenic shift" also found in:
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved. AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website. Predict what's on your test