Which of the following viruses can be latent?


a. HIV
b. chicken pox virus
c. herpesviruses
d. all of the above

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of viral latency: Latency is a state in which a virus remains dormant within a host cell without producing new virus particles, but can reactivate later to cause infection.
2. Review the characteristics of HIV: HIV can integrate its genome into the host DNA and establish a latent infection in certain immune cells, making it capable of latency.
3. Consider the chicken pox virus (varicella-zoster virus): After initial infection, it can remain latent in nerve cells and reactivate later as shingles, demonstrating latency.
4. Examine herpesviruses in general: Many herpesviruses, including herpes simplex virus, establish latency in host cells and can reactivate periodically.
5. Conclude that since HIV, chicken pox virus, and herpesviruses all have the ability to become latent, the correct answer is that all of the above viruses can be latent.

Key Concepts

Viral Latency

Viral latency is a state in which a virus remains dormant within host cells without producing active infection or symptoms. During latency, the viral genome persists in the host, often integrated into the host DNA or as an episome, and can reactivate later to cause disease.

Herpesviruses and Latency

Herpesviruses are well-known for their ability to establish lifelong latency in host nerve cells. After initial infection, they remain dormant and can reactivate periodically, causing recurrent symptoms such as cold sores or shingles.

Latency in HIV and Chickenpox Virus

HIV can establish a latent reservoir in immune cells, evading the immune system and antiretroviral drugs. The chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus) also becomes latent in nerve ganglia and can reactivate later as shingles, demonstrating latency beyond herpesviruses.