Retrovirus

Retroviruses (lat. Retroviridae) are a family of viruses that have the ability to integrate into the genome of the host cell at the transcription stage.

Retroviruses are viruses that use reverse transcriptase to create a DNA copy of their RNA template. This copy is inserted into the host's genome, and the virus can replicate using its genetic material. Retroviruses can cause various diseases, including leukemia, human immunodeficiency, sarcoidosis, and others.

One of the most well-known retroviruses is HIV, which causes AIDS. HIV was first discovered in 1981, and since then many other retroviruses have been described, including viruses that cause leukemia in humans and animals.

Treatment of retroviral infections can be complex and requires the use of a combination of different drugs. However, thanks to advances in gene therapy, some retroviruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus, can be cured using gene therapy.

Thus, retroviruses pose a serious threat to human and animal health, and further research is needed to develop effective treatments and prevention for these infections.