What is antigenic drift in viruses?

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Antigenic drift refers to the slow and gradual changes that occur in the viral antigens, particularly in viruses such as influenza. This process is a result of point mutations in the genes encoding the surface proteins, which can lead to small alterations in the viral antigens that are recognized by the immune system. Over time, as these gradual changes accumulate, they can result in the virus evading the immune response generated by previous infections or vaccinations. This is why seasonal flu vaccines may need to be updated regularly to reflect the current strains circulating in the population, as the immune system may not recognize the new variations effectively.

In contrast, sudden and major changes in the viral genome represent a different phenomenon known as antigenic shift, which typically involves reassortment between different strains. Other choices, like the combination of multiple strains or resistance to antiviral drugs, address different aspects of viral behavior and evolution but do not accurately describe the continuous, incremental changes associated with antigenic drift.

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