Antigenic drift occurs when

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antigenic drift occurs when random mutations occur in the hemagglutinin spike, resulting in changes to the virus that make it no longer recognizable by the immune system. Neuraminidase spike mutations can also occur, but these are less likely to result in significant antigenic changes. Choice A is incorrect because two viruses infecting the same cell does not necessarily cause antigenic drift. Choice B is too general and could refer to a variety of different types of viral changes.

Antigenic Drift Occurs When