slow virus
Slow virus refers to infectious agents that produce disease only after a long delay following INFECTION, often affecting the NERVOUS SYSTEM.
A slow virus infection is characterized by a long period between initial INFECTION and the development of symptoms. These disorders progress gradually and often involve damage to the BRAIN or other parts of the NERVOUS SYSTEM. Historically, the term was used for several conditions later found to involve unusual infectious agents such as PRIONS, including CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE and BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY.
• Infection with a very long delay before symptoms • Often affects the nervous system • Causes gradual progression of disease • Historical term in medicine • Some examples are now known to involve prions rather than viruses
slow-virus