A persistent infection is one in which:

• A. the infectious agent is only present during the initial acute phase
• B. the infectious agent remains in the host for long periods, often causing ongoing or recurring symptoms
• C. the infection is always fatal to the host within a short time
• D. the host rapidly eliminates the infectious agent within a few days

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of a persistent infection in microbiology: it refers to an infection where the infectious agent remains within the host for an extended period, often causing ongoing or recurring symptoms.
2. Compare the options given to the definition: the infectious agent being present only during the initial acute phase describes an acute infection, not a persistent one.
3. Recognize that an infection always fatal within a short time does not align with persistence, as persistent infections typically last longer and may not be immediately fatal.
4. Note that rapid elimination of the infectious agent within a few days describes a resolved or acute infection, not a persistent one.
5. Conclude that the correct description of a persistent infection is the one where the infectious agent remains in the host for long periods, often causing ongoing or recurring symptoms.