Question

Other organisms can be infected by influenza—what are they? How does it spread within and between species, and what determines whether productive replication of the virus occurs? Please answer in detail

Answer 1

Influenza is a RNA virus. It is spherical in structure with two types of surface antigens called haemeagglutinins and neuraminidases. The virus keeps changing its antigens exhibiting antigenic shift and antigenic drift causing wide epidemics. The influenza infection is alos reported in birds and is known as bird flu. In swine, the infection of influenza is known as swine flu. Several strains or subtypes are known to cause the influenza infection. The influenza virus causes upper resiratory tract infection. The virus is spread through nasal secretions and airborn pellets or bird feces containing viruses. Through air it is spread within the species.

The rapid spread of infection among species resulting in breakout of an epidemic can be a measure for productive replication of virus.