What Role Does Antigenic Variation Play in Disease Outbreaks?
Antigenic variation refers to the changes in the antigenic properties of a pathogen over time. This can occur through mutations, recombination, or reassortment. Such variations can lead to the emergence of new strains that may not be recognized by the immune system, potentially causing new outbreaks or epidemics. Monitoring antigenic variation is essential for effective disease surveillance and control strategies.
