What are the two types of viral infections?

There are two main types of viral infections:

1. Cytolytic infections: In cytolytic infections, the virus enters the host cell and replicates, causing the host cell to rupture and die. Examples of cytolytic infections include influenza, measles, and mumps.

2. Persistent infections: In persistent infections, the virus establishes a long-term relationship with the host cell. The virus may replicate within the host cell without causing significant cell damage, or it may integrate its genome into the host cell's DNA. Examples of persistent infections include HIV, hepatitis B, and herpes simplex virus.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between cytolytic and persistent infections:

| Feature | Cytolytic Infection | Persistent Infection |

|---|---|---|

| Cell damage | Host cell ruptures and dies | Host cell survives |

| Replication | Virus replicates rapidly within the host cell | Virus replicates slowly or not at all within the host cell |

| Duration | Acute infection, typically lasting a few days or weeks | Chronic infection, can last for months or years |

| Examples | Influenza, measles, mumps | HIV, hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus |