compare and contrast a latent virus and an active virus. Give an example of each.
To compare and contrast a latent virus and an active virus, let's first understand what they are:
1. Latent Virus: A latent virus is a type of virus that remains in a person's body without causing any noticeable symptoms or disease for an extended period of time. It becomes dormant or inactive and hides within the host's cells, waiting for favorable conditions to reactivate and become active again.
Example: The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common example of a latent virus. Once a person is infected with HSV, it remains in their nerve cells in a dormant state. It may stay dormant for long periods, but can become active and cause cold sores or genital herpes during times of stress or weakened immune system.
2. Active Virus: An active virus is a type of virus that is actively replicating and causing disease or symptoms in the host. It invades the host cells, hijacks their machinery, replicates itself, and spreads to other cells or individuals to cause an active infection.
Example: Influenza virus, commonly known as the flu virus, is an example of an active virus. When a person is infected with the influenza virus, it actively replicates in the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
Comparison:
1. Activity Level: A latent virus remains inactive and avoids causing symptoms, while an active virus actively replicates, spreads, and causes disease.
2. Host Interaction: Latent viruses hide within the host's cells and may not be detected by the immune system, while active viruses actively interact with host cells, replicating and triggering immune responses.
3. Symptom Presentation: Latent viruses may not cause symptoms or remain dormant until reactivated, while active viruses often cause noticeable symptoms during an active infection.
In summary, a latent virus remains in a kind of "sleeping" state while hiding within host cells, whereas an active virus actively replicates and causes disease or symptoms. The herpes simplex virus is an example of a latent virus, while the influenza virus represents an active virus.
A latent virus and an active virus are two different stages or types of viruses that infect living organisms. Here is a comparison and contrast between the two, along with examples:
1. Latent Virus:
- Definition: A latent virus is a type of virus that remains dormant or inactive within the host's cells, not causing any immediate symptoms.
- Activation: It can be triggered to become active by certain factors such as a change in the host's immune system or external stimuli.
- Replication: During the latent stage, the virus does not actively replicate itself.
- Examples:
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV): It causes chickenpox during its active phase, but after the infection resolves, the virus becomes latent and can later be reactivated, leading to shingles.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV): HSV can cause oral or genital herpes during the active phase, and then remain latent in the body, periodically reactivating to cause symptoms.
2. Active Virus:
- Definition: An active virus is a type of virus that is actively replicating and causing immediate symptoms within the host.
- Symptoms: It can cause a range of symptoms depending on the virus, such as flu-like symptoms, respiratory issues, digestive problems, or skin rashes, among others.
- Replication: Actively replicates itself within the host's cells, leading to the production of more viruses.
- Examples:
- Influenza virus: The influenza virus causes the flu, which typically manifests with symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): HIV is an active virus that attacks the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated. It causes a variety of symptoms and complications related to a weakened immune response.
In summary, a latent virus remains inactive inside the host's cells, whereas an active virus actively replicates itself and causes immediate symptoms. Examples of latent viruses include varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex virus, while examples of active viruses include influenza virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).