prepatent

prepatent

before it becomes manifest. Used with reference to infection with bacteria, viruses and particularly helminth parasites.

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prepatent period

the period between infection of the host and the earliest time at which the causative agent can be recovered from the patient or, in the case of parasites, eggs or larvae can be recovered from feces, urine or blood. It is usually shorter than the incubation period but may be longer in some parasitic infestations, e.g. hookworm infestation in puppies.