The ability of some microbes, such as Trypanosoma or Giardia to alter their surface molecules and evade destruction by the host's antibodies is called
A) cytocidal effect.
B) antigenic variation.
C) lysogenic conversion.
D) cytopathic effect.
E) virulence.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antigenic variation is the ability of certain microbes to alter the surface molecules, such as proteins or carbohydrates, in order to evade detection and destruction by the host's antibodies. This strategy allows the pathogen to survive and continue to infect the host.

The Ability of Some Microbes, Such as Trypanosoma or Giardia