Latent disease

Definition

A latent disease is an infection that lies dormant within the host and does not exhibit symptoms for a period of time. The pathogen can reactivate later, causing symptoms to reappear.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Latent diseases can remain inactive within host cells for years before reactivating.
2. Examples of latent diseases include herpes simplex virus and tuberculosis.
3. Reactivation of a latent disease can be triggered by factors such as stress, immunosuppression, or other infections.
4. During the latent period, the pathogen is present but not actively replicating or causing symptoms.
5. Diagnostic tests may fail to detect a latent infection until it reactivates.

Review Questions

• What triggers the reactivation of a latent disease?
• Name two examples of pathogens that cause latent diseases.
• Why might diagnostic tests fail to detect a latent infection?

Related terms

Acute Disease: An infection that develops rapidly and causes severe symptoms but is short-lived.

Chronic Disease: A long-lasting condition where the pathogen persists in the host and causes continuous or recurrent symptoms.

Pathogenicity: The ability of an organism to cause disease in its host.