👉 Reverse-infection, also known as retroviral infection or viral reactivation, is a process where a virus that has been dormant within a host cell suddenly becomes active and begins to replicate. Unlike typical infections where a pathogen enters the body and establishes itself, reverse-infection occurs when a latent virus, which has previously integrated its genetic material into the host's DNA (often as a provirus), reactivates due to various triggers such as stress, immunosuppression, or certain medications. This reactivation can lead to the production of new viral particles, potentially causing symptoms similar to those of active infection, even though the virus itself was previously controlled by the immune system. This phenomenon is particularly concerning in individuals with weakened immune systems, as it can result in more severe or prolonged disease.
