Studies conducted following an influenza epidemic that affected the inhabitants of several countries determine that the cause is an antigenically novel virus strain carrying the animal-strain hemagglutinin and neuraminidase surface molecules. Further analysis reveals that reassortment of the genetic materials occurred during coinfection with human influenza virus and swine influenza virus, leading to the development of some progeny that contain genetic materials from both viruses. Which of the following viruses can undergo a similar process?

Question

Studies conducted following an influenza epidemic that affected the inhabitants of several countries determine that the cause is an antigenically novel virus strain carrying the animal-strain hemagglutinin and neuraminidase surface molecules.  Further analysis reveals that reassortment of the genetic materials occurred during coinfection with human influenza virus and swine influenza virus, leading to the development of some progeny that contain genetic materials from both viruses.  Which of the following viruses can undergo a similar process?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ec160b_377e_7b38_9249_a77b30c8b992_MD0001_00 Genetic shift in the influenza A virus involves reassortment of genomic segments of the human strain with genomic segments of the animal strain, typically when both strains coinfect birds (avian) or pigs (swine). The resulting new strain can cause a new influenza epidemic or pandemic if it has dramatically altered viral surface glycoproteins (eg, hemagglutinin). The key structural feature that enables influenza viruses to undergo such relatively rapid genetic shifts through reassortment is the segmented nature of their genomes. Members of another virus family with a segmented genome could also undergo such reassortment - as opposed to the less radical, slower genetic drift that occurs via point mutations in all viral families. Among the viruses listed, only rotavirus has a segmented genome. Segmented viruses include orthomyxoviruses, reoviruses, bunyaviruses, and arenaviruses. (Choices A, B, C, and D) Hepatitis C virus, human papillomavirus, measles virus, and poliovirus all lack the segmented genome necessary to undergo reassortment. Educational objective: Viruses with segmented genomes (eg, orthomyxoviruses, rotaviruses) are capable of genetic shifts through reassortment. Reassortment (genetic shift) involves exchange of entire genomic segments, a far more dramatic process than the point mutations responsible for genetic drift.

Studies Conducted Following an Influenza Epidemic That Affected the Inhabitants