ABSTRACT

Genetic shift can be defined as a natural process whereby accumulation of mutations is seen in genes that are responsible for encoding antigens. These alterations produce variations (alterations) in the same way they appear in the immune system. Antigenic drift is a small change when compared to antigenic shift which is a major change or variation. Influenza viruses evolve through antigenic shift and drift on its surface proteins Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA). Genetic shift leads to the formation of a whole new subtype as in this case two or more strains of viruses or the viruses themselves combine. This growing nature of the virus has led to the need for finding newer vaccines. Evolution is seen in all living forms. Changes in genotypes and phenotypes make up a population from one generation to the other. This is a phenomenon similar to the genetic shift and drift of influenza virus. Immunity also plays a major role with the help of antibodies towards fighting the mutated virus entering our body. The continuous variations caused in the influenza virus due to genetic shift and genetic drift has led to the formation of newer strains and thus the necessity for newer vaccines to arise. Keywords: Genetic shift; genetic drift; influenza virus; mutation
Publication date: 01/08/2021

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2021/August/MS_IJBPAS_2021_AUG_SPCL_1086.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2021/10.8.1086