How Does Antigenic Drift Explain the Need to Get a New

question 49

Multiple Choice

How does antigenic drift explain the need to get a new flu vaccine every year? (Select all that apply)

• A) antigenic drift is the process in which the primary viral antigens like H and N proteins slowly accumulate mutations
• B) H and N mutations become so numerous that the resulting proteins cannot be recognized by previously produced antibodies
• C) the current vaccine which was developed using the last year's viruses stimulates production of IgG antibodies that will recognize most H and N proteins but a booster is needed to keep IgG levels elevated
• D) the current vaccine which was developed using the last year's viruses stimulates production of specific IgG antibodies that will no longer recognize the H and N proteins on the virus

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Definitions:

Mean Value

The average of a set of numerical data, calculated by dividing the sum of all values by the number of values.

Confidence Interval

A range of values, derived from sample statistics, that is likely to contain the value of an unknown population parameter.

Independent Variable

In statistical analysis, a variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on another variable, often called the dependent variable.

Uncertainty

The state or condition in which something is not known or certain, often relating to variables or outcomes in data analysis.