Which of the following series best reflects what we know about how the flu virus moves between species?
A) An avian flu virus undergoes several mutations and rearrangements such that it is able to be transmitted to other birds and then to humans.
B) The flu virus in a pig is mutated and replicated in alternate arrangements so that humans who eat the pig products can be infected.
C) A flu virus from a human epidemic or pandemic infects birds; the birds replicate the virus differently and then pass it back to humans.
D) An influenza virus gains new sequences of DNA from another virus, such as a herpesvirus; this enables it to be transmitted to a human host.
E) An animal such as a pig is infected with more than one virus, genetic recombination occurs, the new virus mutates and is passed to a new species such as a bird, the virus mutates and can be transmitted to humans.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This answer reflects the current understanding that the flu virus can move between species through genetic recombination and mutations. This process is known as antigenic shift, and it often occurs in intermediate hosts like pigs, which can be infected with both human and bird flu viruses. The recombination of genetic material can result in a new virus that is different from any currently circulating strains and can be transmitted to humans.

Which of the Following Series Best Reflects What We Know