Stephanie was studying for her final exams this past fall. She woke up on the morning of her human biology exam day feeling ill. She had chills, severe body aches, a fever and felt totally exhausted. She went to the doctor hoping that antibiotics might help her feel better and get her through her exams. The doctor said that she had the flu. In addition to the antibiotic prescription, he also suggested she drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest. The doctor also questioned whether Stephanie was given any vaccines in the last year and suggested she get one this year. Stephanie did not feel better about 5 days later and then was diagnosed with pneumonia.
1. Explain what antigenic shift is and its importance.
- Antigenic shift is the process in which two or more different strains of a virus/viruses, combine to form a new subtype having a mixture of the surface antigens of the original strains. It's important for the new viral pathogens as it is a pathway that viruses may follow to enter a new cavity or hollow.
2. Did the antibiotics help Stephanie's flu get better? Explain.
3. Is a vaccine a type of passive or active immunity? Explain.
- A vaccine is a type of active immunity, this is because it is an introduction of a killed or weakened form of the disease to the body triggering the immune system to produce antibodies. Unlike passive immunity which is provided when a person is given antibodies to a disease rather than producing it themselves.
4. In what form would a T cell recognize this virus?
5. Is this a primary or secondary immune response? How can you tell? Think about what happens in each of these responses.
6. Now that Stephanie has immunity to this specific virus, what is the basis of this immunity?