Influenza virus Flashcards
1
Q
What type of virus in influenza A?
A
group V - ssRNA
2
Q
How is influenza A transmitted?
A
respiratory droplets (person to person)
3
Q
Name the 2 major influenza A outer surface antigen?
A
- haemagglutinin
2. neuraminidase
4
Q
Which 2 processes allow influenza A antigen evolution?
A
antigenic drift and antigenic shift
5
Q
What is antigenic drift?
A
random mutations in viral RNA causing minor changes in H and N antigen (does not change viral subtype)
6
Q
What is antigenic shift?
A
process where one cell is infected by 2 different subtypes of influenza virus… reassortment of viral RNA from both subtypes… creation of new viral subtype (happens every 10-20 yrs)
