##  [Antigenic Shift](/antigenic-shift) 

  ##  [Antigenic Shift](https://health.quantumdictionary.io/antigenic-shift-0) 

  

 [![Health & Life Sciences Dictionary](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/Health%20%26%20Life%20Sciences.png.webp?itok=yyyaiQOY)](/topic-specific-dictionaries/health-life-sciences)



**Health & Life Sciences Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

An abrupt genetic reassortment or recombination event that produces a pathogen whose surface antigenic profile differs substantially from prior circulating strains, such that previously common host immune responses have markedly reduced recognition of the new variant.