Based on the provided reference, the term "core infection" is not explicitly defined. However, the reference discusses co-infection, which may be confused with "core infection." Let's clarify what co-infection is:
Co-infection refers to the simultaneous infection of a host by multiple pathogen species, or the simultaneous infection of a single cell by two or more virus particles. Therefore, understanding co-infection can provide context.
Understanding Co-infection
Co-infection involves multiple pathogens infecting the same host or cell. This can manifest in a few different ways, as described below:
- Multi-parasite infections: A host is simultaneously infected by multiple different parasites.
- Simultaneous viral infections: A single cell is infected by two or more virus particles at the same time. This can occur either:
- Incrementally, where an initial infection is followed by superinfection (a second infection).
- Simultaneously, where the cell is infected by multiple viral particles at the same time.
While "core infection" isn't a standard term, perhaps the intent was to inquire about instances where multiple infections occur, impacting the host's health and immune response.
