Learn about the different types of latent infections, including causes, treatment methods, and more.
HSV is categorized into two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2.
HSV-1 mainly affects the mouth and face, and HSV-2 generally affects the genital area.
Thomas Deerinck, Ncmir / Science Photo Library / Getty Images
ART does a good job of preventing active HIV viruses from replicating, which helps to prevent disease progression.
HIV latency is a major reason why HIV cannot entirely be cured.
Bacterial Latent Infections
Bacteriaor single-celled organisms can cause latent infections.
Around two billion people are infected by this bacterium worldwide.
However, the correct use of vaccines and medicines can help prevent or cure most TB cases.
Parasitic Latent Infections
Parasitesare organisms that live in or on another organism to survive.
The parasite known asToxoplasma gondiiis the most common parasite that infects the population.
When active in the body,T.
gondiican cause the condition known astoxoplasmosis.
But the parasite can become latent and live in the body for a lifetime.
Atapeworm infectionis another pop in of parasitic infection that is sometimes considered latent.
While some people may not need treatment for cysticercosis, medications are available if the condition is too bothersome.
Latent Infection Symptoms
Typically, latent infections cause no noticeable symptoms.
Symptoms usually develop when dormant organisms in the body become active and cause disease.
Know that just because an infection is not causing symptoms doesn’t mean it’s latent.
Treatment
For those in good health, a latent infection may not need treatment.
Treatment may be needed in those who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems.
Treatment depends on the jot down of infection, especially when a latent infection becomes an active one.
Summary
A latent infection is an infection by an organism that remains inactive in the body.
A latent infection typically causes no symptoms, but the inactive organism may reactivate and cause sickness.
Manysexually transmitted infections (STIs)go through a latency stage, where those infected areasymptomatic.
However, not all infections are truly latent at this stage.
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