9E - Evolving Pathogens Flashcards
1
Q
antimicrobial agent
A
An agent that kills or slows the growth of microorganisms. Examples include antiseptics, disinfectants, antifungals, antivirals and antibacterial agents.
2
Q
bacterial conjugation
A
The process in which bacteria exchange genetic material via direct cell-cell contact.
3
Q
antigenic drift
A
Small and gradual mutations in the genes encoding for viral surface antigens.
4
Q
antigenic shift
A
Sudden and significant mutations in the genes encoding for viral surface antigens.
5
Q
viral recombination
A
The combination of surface antigens from two or more different strains of a virus to form a completely new virus subtype.
