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Retroviral Infections

A retrovirus carries its genetic material in a particular form called RNA. This RNA is reverse transcribed into the host DNA and included in the host genome for both expression an viral replication. A retroviral infection takes advantage of this by using a host cell to create replication deficient virus. This newly replicated virus can then be used to infect a different set of cells. Theoretically, every single cell that has become infected by the retrovirus should permanently express its viral proteins so that genomic incorporation will happen – a required step in the virus life cycle.

A retroviral infection can bring out several outcomes for the virus and the cell. Retroviruses can bring about or induce an immunosuppressive, autoimmune as well as neurological illnesses. There are also some that actually capable of directly killing cells.

It is also quite possible for retroviruses to induce latent infections. What happens here is that the virus remains dormant or causes persistent infections wherein low level types of the virus are continually produced in the host body. These are some of the reasons why retroviral infections becomes a life long burden for an infected person and also makes it quite difficult to treat.

Web Resources On Retroviral Infections

Infection with retroviruses
Targeted vectors for gene therapy of cancer and retroviral infection

Book Resources On Retroviral Infections

Human Retroviral Infections: Immunological and Therapeutic Control by Ugen, Bendinelli et al
Modern Pathology of AIDS and Other Retroviral Infections: Application of Contemporary Methods by Paul Racz et al

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