What is a Retrovirus?
Retroviruses are a family of RNA viruses that replicate in a host cell using the enzyme reverse transcriptase to produce DNA from their RNA genome. This DNA then integrates into the host cell’s genome, allowing the virus to replicate along with the host cell.
How Do Retroviruses Work?
Retroviruses enter host cells and release their RNA genome. The reverse transcriptase enzyme converts the viral RNA into DNA, which is integrated into the host cell’s DNA. The virus can then replicate and spread to other cells.
Examples of Retroviruses
One well-known retrovirus is HIV, which causes AIDS. Another example is the Human T-cell Leukemia Virus (HTLV), which can cause certain types of leukemia.
Case Studies
In 1981, the first cases of AIDS were reported in the United States. It was later discovered that the cause of AIDS was HIV, a retrovirus that attacks the immune system.
Statistics
According to the World Health Organization, there were approximately 38 million people worldwide living with HIV in 2019. Retroviruses continue to be a significant public health concern.
