For a Virus to Cause a Latent Infection, It Must

Question

For a virus to cause a latent infection, it must possess
A) ssDNA.
B) ds DNA.
C) dsRNA.
D) Any type of viral genome can lead to a latent infection.

Accepted Answer

Latent infections occur when the virus integrates its genome into the host cell's DNA and remains dormant until conditions are suitable for reactivation. This is commonly observed with viruses possessing ds DNA genomes, such as herpesviruses. Other types of viral genomes (ssDNA, dsRNA) may also integrate into the host cell's DNA, but they are less commonly associated with latent infections. Therefore, the best choice for a virus to cause a latent infection is one with a dsDNA genome.