Latent

Latent refers to a state of being present but not visible, apparent, or actualized; existing as potential. In the field of medicine, the term is often used to describe a disease or condition that is not currently showing symptoms, but may become active at any time.

Overview

Latent conditions can exist in many forms, including latent tuberculosis, latent syphilis, and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults. These conditions are characterized by periods of inactivity, during which the patient may not experience any symptoms, followed by periods of activity, during which symptoms may appear.

Latent Conditions

Latent Tuberculosis

Latent tuberculosis is a state of persistent immune response to stimulation by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens without evidence of clinically manifested active TB.

Latent Syphilis

Latent syphilis is a stage of the sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum. In latent syphilis, the disease is not symptomatic, but can still be transmitted to others.

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a form of diabetes mellitus type 1 that occurs in adulthood, often with a slower course of onset than type 1 diabetes diagnosed in juveniles.

See Also

• Incubation period
• Infectious disease
• Symptom

References

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