microbiology basic and clinical principles test bank Related

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During latency, HSV1 exists in what form:

  • A. Integrated in host chromosome
  • B. Episomes in neurons
  • C. No latency is established for that viral infection
  • D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: During latency, HSV1 exists as episomes in neurons. This is because HSV1 establishes a lifelong latent infection in sensory neurons, where the viral genome remains as a circular episome in the nucleus. This form allows the virus to persist in a dormant state, avoiding detection by the immune system. Choice A is incorrect as HSV1 does not integrate into the host chromosome. Choice C is incorrect as latency is a well-documented phenomenon for HSV1. Choice D is incorrect as the correct answer is B.