Definition: A latent infection is an infection that is hidden, inactive, or dormant. As opposed to active infections, where a virus or bacterium is actively replicating and potentially causing symptoms, latent infections are essentially static. While an infection is latent, it may hide from the immune system and/or be difficult to treat with drugs and other therapies.
Also Known As: Dormant/Inactive
Examples:
Herpes infections go through latent periods where individuals don't have any outbreaks.
