Aralia spinosa
Antigenic Shift[edit | edit source]
Antigenic shift is a process by which two or more different strains of a virus, or strains of two or more different viruses, combine to form a new subtype having a mixture of the surface antigens of the original strains. This process is known to occur in influenza A virus and is a major cause of pandemics.
Mechanism[edit | edit source]
Antigenic shift occurs when an influenza virus from a non-human animal population gains the ability to infect humans. This can happen when a human-infecting virus and an animal-infecting virus infect the same cell and exchange genetic material. The result is a new virus with a novel combination of antigens on its surface, which the human immune system has not encountered before.
The process of antigenic shift is distinct from antigenic drift, which involves the gradual accumulation of mutations in the virus's genome over time. Antigenic shift, on the other hand, involves a sudden and significant change in the virus's antigens.
Impact on Public Health[edit | edit source]
Antigenic shift can lead to the emergence of new influenza pandemics. Because the human population has little to no pre-existing immunity to the new viral strain, it can spread rapidly and cause widespread illness. Historical examples of pandemics caused by antigenic shift include the Spanish flu of 1918, the Asian flu of 1957, and the Hong Kong flu of 1968.
Examples[edit | edit source]
The most well-known example of antigenic shift is the H1N1 influenza virus, which caused the 2009 flu pandemic. This virus was a reassortant strain containing genes from human, swine, and avian influenza viruses.
Prevention and Control[edit | edit source]
Preventing antigenic shift is challenging due to the nature of the process. However, monitoring animal populations for new strains of influenza and developing vaccines that can provide broad protection against multiple strains are important strategies. The World Health Organization and other health agencies conduct surveillance to detect new strains early and respond quickly to potential pandemics.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
Diagram illustrating the process of antigenic shift.
Aralia spinosa in Arkansas
Aralia spinosa
Aralia elata in Philadelphia
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