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[Nature and significance of persistent infections (author's transl)]

A Mayr

    MMW, Munchener Medizinische Wochenschrift
    |January 5, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Persistent viral infections involve long-term pathogen coexistence, differing from subclinical infections. These infections can benefit or harm the host, often leading to chronic disease and acting as reservoirs for viruses.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Immunology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Context:

    • Clinically inapparent infections encompass persistent and subclinical infections.
    • Persistent infections are characterized by a temporally unlimited coexistence with the pathogen.

    Purpose:

    • To differentiate persistent viral infections from subclinical infections.
    • To outline the pathogenic forms and consequences of persistent viral infections.

    Summary:

    • Persistent viral infections, a form of clinically inapparent infection, involve long-term pathogen coexistence.
    • Pathogenetically, they manifest as latent, tolerated, or occult infections.
    • These infections serve as viral reservoirs, offering potential benefits (e.g., immunity) but predominantly causing harm through chronic disease and immunopathology.

    Impact:

    • Persistent infections represent a significant reservoir for viruses, influencing disease dynamics.
    • They can lead to chronic diseases and immunopathogenic consequences for the host.
    • These infections pose an invisible danger to the environment by creating carriers and chronic carriers.

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