A viral crèche was a point in the life-cycle of some viruses. When a virus infected a larger organism, a viral crèche consisted of foreign body in the infected creature, affecting changes in life processes. In 2367, Doctor Beverly Crusher thought the effects of Tarchannen III species parasite acted similarly in the body to a viral crèche, although Alyssa Ogawa stated it would have to be very small to avoid detection. (TNG: "Identity Crisis" )