When cells divide or viruses multiply, their genetic material must be copied. Sometimes mistakes are made when this happens and the resulting new cell or virus is different in some way. This is important for viruses because mutation can fool the immune system into not recognising the virus. In regard to hepatitis C, the term 'carrier' is used less and less. Better definitions of illness status unclude antibody positive and antibody negative;
To change the genetic material of a cell. The changes (mutations) can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect.
Change in the genetic material (DNA) inside the cell.
when a virus changes in the process of making copies of itself. Because of that change, it may become more difficult for your HIV medicine to control the virus.