New influenza vaccines are needed every few years because
Correct answer: D. the surface antigens of the virus mutate frequently
- A. immunity produced by the vaccine lasts only days
- B. influenza virus infects only elderly people
- C. antibiotics destroy the vaccine
- D. the surface antigens of the virus mutate frequently
Explanation
Influenza's RNA genome mutates rapidly and its haemagglutinin and neuraminidase surface proteins keep changing, so last year's antibodies may not recognise this year's strain. This antigenic drift is the reason vaccination is reviewed every season.
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About Viruses
Viruses are acellular infectious particles made of genetic material enclosed by a protein capsid, sometimes with a lipid envelope. Their replication depends on a host cell and may follow lytic or lysogenic cycles, so viral structure and reproduction differ fundamentally from those of cellular organisms such as bacteria.
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