Antigenic shift
Antigenic shift can create a novel influenza subtype. This topic is part of Virology within Science. This page currently draws on 4 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.
Antigenic shift trivia questions
Antigenic shift is a major sudden change seen especially in which virus?
Answer: Influenza A
Bonus fact: Antigenic shift can create a novel influenza subtype.
What process can cause antigenic shift in influenza?
Answer: Reassortment of genome segments
Bonus fact: Influenza A has a segmented genome that can reassort.
Why can antigenic shift contribute to pandemics?
Answer: People may have little immunity to the new subtype
Bonus fact: Novel surface antigens can leave populations broadly susceptible.
How does antigenic drift differ from antigenic shift?
Answer: Drift is gradual, while shift is abrupt and major
Bonus fact: Shift can create novel influenza subtypes.