Tamiflu is a common medication given for influenza treatment, its action being to protect and block sialic acid molecules on the surfaces of host cells and influenza virus envelopes as they leave the cell. Which statement reflects the mechanism of Tamiflu's action?

A. Tamiflu blocks protein synthesis of the viral genome.

B. Tamiflu interferes with the replication of + ssRNA from the - ssRNA genome of the flu virus.

C. Tamiflu interferes with the release of the budding viruses from the infected host cells.

D. Tamiflu interferes with the metabolic properties of the virus.

Answer: C. Tamiflu interferes with the release of the budding viruses from the infected host cells.

Explanation:

Tamiflu is commonly used as antiviral drugs because it blocks the function of viral neuraminidases of the influenza virus. Neuraminidase is a type of enzime found on the surface of influenza viruses that enables the virus to be released from the host cell. In order to prevent viral infection the NA protein is exploited by Tamilfu which acts as sialic acid analogs and binds to the NA active site. These are called NA inhibitors. Tamiflu disables the NA protein from cleaving sialic acid, leaving the virus trapped and preventing its reproduction by budding from the host cell.