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The influenza virus has a high rate of mutation which can lead to changes of the viral surface antigens that contain protein - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 27 - 2005 - Paper 1
Question 27
The influenza virus has a high rate of mutation which can lead to changes of the viral surface antigens that contain protein. Analyse the impact of high mutation ra... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The influenza virus has a high rate of mutation which can lead to changes of the viral surface antigens that contain protein - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 27 - 2005 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain the relationship between high mutation rates in the virus
Answer
The influenza virus exhibits a high mutation rate, which allows it to alter its surface antigens. These mutations can occur through mechanisms such as antigenic drift and shift, which are crucial for the virus’s ability to evade the immune system. Antigenic drift results in small changes to the virus, while antigenic shift can lead to major changes, potentially resulting in new virus strains.
This ability to mutate rapidly disrupts the recognition of the virus by the immune system. Previous infections or vaccinations may not provide immunity against these novel strains, making individuals more susceptible to recurrent infections.
Step 2
Discuss the impact on the human immune response
Answer
The high mutation rate of the influenza virus poses significant challenges for the human immune response. When the virus mutates, the immune system may not recognize the altered antigens, leading to a decreased effectiveness of both natural immunity (from previous infections) and vaccine-induced immunity. This necessitates annual updates to flu vaccines, as they must be formulated to match the most prevalent strains each year.
Moreover, the variability in strains means that populations can experience outbreaks, as immunity levels vary widely across different groups. Consequently, the inability of the immune system to keep up with viral changes can lead to increased morbidity and mortality among affected populations.
Step 3
Link to appropriate implications for both survival of the virus and humans
Answer
The implications of the influenza virus's high mutation rates are profound for both its survival and for human health. For the virus, frequent mutations enhance its survival, as they allow it to escape immune detection, potentially leading to persistent infections and outbreaks in populations.
For humans, this results in a continuous cycle of illness, with seasonal epidemics causing significant public health challenges. It places pressure on health systems and necessitates ongoing research and development for vaccines and antiviral therapies to effectively manage outbreaks and improve population immunity. In summary, the interplay between the virus's mutations and human health outcomes highlights the need for vigilant surveillance and adaptive healthcare responses.