👉 Mature infection refers to a chronic, often persistent state where a pathogen has established itself within a host's body, leading to a stable but ongoing interaction between the microbe and its host. Unlike acute infections, which are typically short-lived and resolve completely, mature infections can persist for extended periods, sometimes years or even a lifetime. During this phase, the pathogen may adapt to evade the host's immune system, and the host may develop chronic inflammation or immune responses that contribute to tissue damage and dysfunction. Examples include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B and C, where the infection becomes deeply entrenched, making complete eradication challenging. The host's immune system plays a dual role: while it attempts to control and eventually eliminate the pathogen, it can also inadvertently cause harm through prolonged inflammation and immune activation, leading to long-term health issues.
