Influenza Virus
Spikes are surface glycoproteins embedded in the viral envelope (e.g., hemagglutinin and neuraminidase in influenza virus).
INFLUENZA VIRUS
- Classification: Family Orthomyxoviridae. (−)ssRNA, 8 segments, Baltimore Group V. Three types: A, B, C.
- Lipid envelope (host-derived) with two surface glycoproteins:
- HA (Hemagglutinin) — attaches to host cell sialic acid receptors
- NA (Neuraminidase) — cleaves sialic acid to release new virions
- M1 matrix protein (structural)
Read this in Medical Virology: Parvovirus B19 & Adenovirus Exam Guide
What our notes say
- Spikes are surface glycoproteins embedded in the viral envelope (e.g., hemagglutinin and neuraminidase in influenza virus). (Microbial Metabolism, Structure, and Therapeutics)
- Used for: influenza virus (allantoic cavity), poxviruses (EXAM: Bacteriophages, Laboratory Diagnosis, HPV & Parvovirus B19)
- Influenza Virus — structure, antigenic shift, antigenic drift, clinical features, treatment, vaccines (EXAM: Influenza, Viral Receptors & Spikes, Interferons, and Viral Pathogenesis)
- INFLUENZA VIRUS *Essay and MCQ — antigenic changes most tested. (Medical Virology Exam Notes: Pathogenesis, HSV, CMV, Hepatitis, Flu)
- Haemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA): glycoproteins on influenza virus that contribute to virulence. (MBChB Year 3 Medical Virology Exam Notes: HSV, CMV, EBV)
- Start within 72 hours of rash appearing | | Influenza virus | Flu | Oseltamivir | Neuraminidase inhibitor — stops the virus from spreading between cells. (MASTER PHARMACOLOGY NOTES)
Study material on Influenza Virus
- Microbial Metabolism, Structure, and Therapeutics
- Medical Virology CAT 2024/2025 — MKU MBMM 3333 Questions & Answers
Practice questions on Influenza Virus
What increases the possibility of antigenic shift in influenza virus?
- The presence of neutralizing antibodies to influenza
- The presence of herd immunity
- The annual flu shot
- The simultaneous infection of one individual with two different strains of influenza
Answer: D. Antigenic shift occurs when two different influenza A strains infect the same host cell simultaneously, allowing their segmented genomes to reassort, producing a new hybrid virus with a novel HA or NA combination. ---