[Campbell Biology P.1022] Which statement accurately describes viral latency as exemplified b... | Practice Question
Which statement accurately describes viral latency as exemplified by human herpesviruses?
A: During latency, viruses are completely eliminated from the host, preventing future reactivation.
B: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) primarily causes genital herpes and remains latent in memory B cells.
C: Latent viral genomes persist in infected cells without triggering an adaptive immune response, but can reactivate under specific conditions like stress.
D: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes chickenpox and shingles and establishes latency in clusters of neurons in spinal nerves.
Explanation
Viral latency is characterized by the persistence of the viral genome in infected cells without active replication or triggering an adaptive immune response. These latent viruses, like herpesviruses, can later reactivate under various stimuli such as stress, fever, or hormonal changes, as detailed in the text and Table 43.1.