Latent virus

Latent virus is a type of virus that can exist in a host without causing symptoms, but can reactivate and cause disease at a later time. This is in contrast to acute viruses, which cause symptoms shortly after infection.

Overview

A latent virus is a type of virus that can exist in a host without causing symptoms, but can reactivate and cause disease at a later time. This is in contrast to acute viruses, which cause symptoms shortly after infection. Latent viruses can be contrasted with chronic viruses, which are active and cause symptoms over a long period.

Latency

Latency in virology is the ability of a virus to lie dormant (latent) within a cell. The latent viral genome can be transmitted along with the host cell genome and reactivate at a later stage to produce infectious particles. Examples of latent viruses include Herpes simplex virus and Varicella zoster virus.

Reactivation

Reactivation of a latent virus is triggered by specific changes in the health status of the host, such as immune suppression, stress, or exposure to certain medications. Reactivation can lead to symptomatic disease.

Examples

Examples of diseases caused by latent viruses include cold sores (Herpes simplex virus), shingles (Varicella zoster virus), and mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus).

See also

• Virus latency
• Viral shedding
• Viral reactivation

Latent virus Resources
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