Interesting question,
The way I see it, is that a strain would be an "established" variation in
genetic structuring, proven through multiple observations.
Whereas a variant would be a relatively "new" variation of previously
established genetic theme.
I think that the level of observation and general acceptance in the
scientific community is the key point, but the more I think about it the
less confident I am about this viewpoint.
For example take nvCJD, is it ever referred to a different strain of CJD...
....I think I may have to do some background on this one.
Jason A. Roberts
Virology Division,
Department of Microbiology.
Prince of Wales Hospital.
Sydney.
Australia.
Robertsjas at sesahs.nsw.gov.au
"Matt Hicks" <matth at biols.susx.ac.uk> wrote in message
news:Pine.SGI.3.96.1010226120920.46483B-100000 at bionix...
>> Hi People,
> Just wondered what you think the difference is (if any?) between a strain
> and a variant - as we have been discussing this and cannot agree....
>> Thanks in advance for any input,
>>> **************************************************
>> Dr. Matthew R. Hicks
> Research Fellow
> School of Biological Sciences
> University of Sussex
> Falmer
> BN1 9QG
> UK
>> Tel: +44(0)1273 678923
> Fax: +44(0)1273 678433
> email: matth at biols.sussex.ac.uk>> **************************************************
>>>> ---
>
