Influenza Flashcards
What are the FOUR types of influenza virus?
- Influenza A - many strains, some infect humans
- Influenza B
- Influenza C - mild human infections - non pandemic
- Influenza D - infect cattle
What is the main reservoir of influenza viruses?
Wild birds
What THREE virus types can infect humans?
A, B and C
Is the influenza virus:
A) Naked
OR
B) Enveloped?
RNA Enveloped
What is the size of an influenza virus?
80 - 200nm
(0.08 - 0.12microns)
What are the surface antigens on an influenza virus?
H (haemaglutinin)
N (neuraminidase)
What viral family does influenza virus belong to?
Orthomyxoviridae
What classification of virus is influenza?
ssRNA(-)
How many genomic units make up the Influenza A virus?
8
Which surface protein allows the influenza virus to bind to the host cell and is recognised by the immune system?
H (Haemaglutinin)
How many H types are there?
16
H1 - H16
What surface enzyme allows the virus to exit from the host cell?
N (Neuraminidase)
How many N types are there?
9
N1 - N9
Which receptor on the host cell does the H surface protein on the influenza virus bind to?
alpha-2-3 sialic acid
or
alpha-2-6 sialic acid
What causes ANTIGENIC DRIFT?
Small mutations on the surface proteins that make antibodies less able to bind to the virus