👉 Passive infection, also known as asymptomatic or latent infection, occurs when a pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium, enters a host's body but does not immediately cause disease or produce noticeable symptoms. Instead, the pathogen can remain dormant within the host's cells or tissues, often integrating into the host's genetic material or existing in a state of low activity. Over time, the pathogen may reactivate under certain conditions, such as weakened immune function, stress, or environmental triggers, leading to active infection and the manifestation of symptoms. This process allows the pathogen to persist without being detected by the immune system, making it challenging to control and potentially spreading to others before symptoms appear.
