Microbial Evolution - Applied Aspects

The process of change in the genetic makeup of a population over time, driven by factors like natural selection and mutation.

A long-term study using E. coli bacteria grown in a simple glucose environment to observe evolutionary changes in the bacteria.

The ability of bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics, making them harder to treat.

A mechanism for antibiotic resistance where bacteria acquire resistance genes through the transfer of genetic material.

A type of bacteria that has developed resistance to methicillin, a common antibiotic.

A genetic element found in some Staphylococcus aureus strains that confers resistance to methicillin and other antibiotics.

A viral infection that causes the flu. Classified by two proteins: Hemagglutinin (H) and Neuraminidase (N).

Changes in the influenza A virus, causing minor variations in the H and N proteins, responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks.

A type of influenza virus that is highly pathogenic and can infect both birds and humans. It is characterized by its ability to spread rapidly and cause severe illness.

A type of virus that can infect pigs and is capable of exchanging genetic material with both avian and human influenza viruses, creating the potential for new and dangerous strains.

The human immunodeficiency virus, a type of retrovirus that attacks the immune system, causing a progressive decline in immune function and eventually leading to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

A group of retroviruses that infect primates, including chimpanzees and monkeys. They are considered to be the origin of HIV.

The ability of a virus to change its surface proteins, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize and target it. This is a common strategy viruses use to evade the immune system, leading to recurring infections.

The process by which viruses exchange genetic material, leading to the creation of new and potentially more virulent strains. This is particularly concerning in virus evolution as it can lead to unpredictable and potentially devastating consequences.

The process by which viruses evolve and become resistant to antiviral drugs, making treatment difficult or ineffective. This is a major challenge in managing viral infections, especially HIV.

A type of coronavirus that causes the respiratory illness COVID-19, characterized by fever, cough, and shortness of breath. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets and can lead to serious complications.

The seasonal flu vaccine is needed annually because influenza viruses constantly evolve through antigenic drift. This leads to changes in hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, making the virus less recognizable to the immune system and minimizing prior vaccine protection.

The 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, which killed millions worldwide, was attributed to a novel H1N1 strain, likely arising from antigenic shift, leading to a severe pandemic.

The 2009 H1N1 pandemic was caused by a new reassortment strain of influenza, a subtype of H1N1, that emerged through antigenic shift, leading to widespread infection and a global pandemic.

Anti-viral drugs are used to treat influenza infections, targeting specific viral enzymes or processes. Their effectiveness can be affected by the emergence of drug-resistant strains through mutations.

The avian influenza H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain of bird flu that has been detected in a growing number of mammals, including pigs and dairy cows. This is concerning as cross-species transmission could lead to a human pandemic.

The spread of avian influenza H5N1 to mammals poses a significant threat to public health since a zoonotic spread could lead to a novel strain capable of efficiently infecting humans. This could potentially trigger a new pandemic, as seen with the 2009 H1N1 outbreak.