Occult virus
- Pronunciation
- /OK-cult VIR-us/
- Category
- Virology
- Singular
- Occult virus
- Plural
- Occult viruses
Definition
A term used to describe viruses that are not readily detectable by conventional methods, often due to their presence in low numbers or integration into the host genome.
Etymology
From Latin 'occultus', meaning 'hidden' or 'secret'.
Example
The occult virus was only discovered after analyzing the genomes of infected insects.
Related Terms
- Hidden viruses
- Latent viruses
Usage Notes
Occult viruses can remain dormant within a host for extended periods and may reactivate under certain conditions.