persistent infection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persistent infection" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe an ailment in which the infectious agent continues to exist in the body for a long period of time, even after the initial symptoms have subsided. For example, "Patients suffering from a persistent infection may require long-term treatment in order to fully recover."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We knew what had happened — a persistent infection, a rupture.

The New Yorker

We knew what had happened a persistent infection, a rupture.

The New Yorker

Viral persistent infection of EC may underlie the mechanism.

Harvard University

None of these patients developed a recurrent or persistent infection.

The Journal of Arthroplasty

Viral RNA present in tonsils at 28 days post infection demonstrates the likelihood of persistent infection.

Nature

Proliferation of cells with HIV integrated into cancer genes contributes to persistent infection.

Nature

Importantly, the uptake of PrPSc does not necessarily lead to persistent infection.

Nature

Therefore, NK cell exhaustion would predominate the tolerant milieu in HCV persistent infection.

Nature

Parts of three toes ultimately had to be amputated because of a persistent infection.

The Washington Post

Therefore, liver-infiltrated NK cell exhaustion might attribute to HCV persistent infection in C/OTg mice.

Nature

Cytoplasmic penetration and persistent infection of mammalian cells by polyglutamine aggregates.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "persistent infection", be specific about the pathogen involved and the affected area or system. For example, "persistent HPV infection in the cervix" provides more clarity than simply "persistent infection".

Common error

Avoid using "persistent infection" interchangeably with "antibiotic-resistant infection". Persistence refers to the duration of the infection, while resistance refers to the pathogen's ability to withstand antibiotic treatment. A persistent infection may or may not be antibiotic-resistant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persistent infection" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "persistent" modifies the noun "infection". It describes a specific type of infection characterized by its long duration or resistance to clearance by the host's immune system. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used correctly and effectively in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "persistent infection" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term, as validated by Ludwig AI. It describes an infection that lingers for an extended period and is commonly found in scientific, academic, and news contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to differentiate it from related terms like "antibiotic resistance" and to be specific about the causative agent and affected area. Alternatives such as "chronic infection" or "long-term infection" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With a strong presence in authoritative sources like Nature and The New Yorker, "persistent infection" is a reliable and effective term for describing prolonged infectious processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chronic infection

Emphasizes the long-term nature of the infection, often implying it's difficult to eradicate.

long-term infection

Highlights the extended duration of the infection.

recurrent infection

Focuses on the infection's tendency to reappear after periods of remission.

intractable infection

Stresses the difficulty in treating or curing the infection.

unresolved infection

Indicates that the infection hasn't been successfully eliminated.

smoldering infection

Implies a low-grade, continuous infection without acute flare-ups.

latent infection

Describes an infection where the pathogen is dormant but can reactivate later.

established infection

Suggests the infection has taken hold and is actively present.

deep-seated infection

Implies the infection is difficult to reach or eradicate due to its location or nature.

ongoing infection

Simply states that the infection is currently active and continuing.

FAQs

How does a "persistent infection" differ from an acute infection?

An acute infection is short-lived, whereas a "persistent infection" lingers for a long time, potentially indefinitely. Persistent infections can be chronic, latent, or recurring.

What are some common causes of "persistent infections"?

Common causes include viruses like HIV and herpesviruses, bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and certain fungi. Impaired immune function can also contribute to /s/long-term+infections, target="_blank" rel="nofollow">long-term infections.

What are some alternative phrases for "persistent infection"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "chronic infection", "long-term infection", or /s/recurrent+infection, target="_blank" rel="nofollow">recurrent infection.

Is a "persistent infection" always symptomatic?

No, a "persistent infection" can be asymptomatic (latent) for extended periods, only to reactivate later. Examples include herpes simplex virus and /s/latent+tuberculosis, target="_blank" rel="nofollow">latent tuberculosis.