Adaptive Immune System Quizlet Related

Review Adaptive Immune System Quizlet related questions and content

Avian Influenza has not so far caused a human pandemic because

  • A. Avian flu causes only mild infection in humans compared to birds
  • B. Avian flu recognizes a variant of sialic acid found only on avian cells
  • C. Avian flu recognizes a variant of sialic acid only found deep in the lung tissue of humans, not in the upper airways
  • D. H5N1 is included in the composition of the annual trivalent inactivated vaccine
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because avian flu recognizing a variant of sialic acid only found deep in the lung tissue of humans, not in the upper airways explains why it has not caused a human pandemic. This specificity limits human-to-human transmission as the virus cannot efficiently attach in the upper airways where respiratory droplets are expelled. Choices A and B are incorrect because avian flu can cause severe infections in humans and recognizes a variant of sialic acid found in both birds and humans, not just avian cells. Choice D is incorrect as the presence of H5N1 in the annual trivalent vaccine does not prevent human pandemic potential.