Related Words

Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV): A virus that is found, in numerous strains, in primates.

Retrovirus: A type of RNA virus (such as HIV ) that reproduces by transcribing itself into DNA (using reverse transcriptase). The resultant DNA inserts itself into a cell’s DNA and is reproduced by the cell.

Marburg Virus: The causative agent of Marburg haemorrhagic fever. The virus is closely related to Ebola and originates in Uganda and Eastern Congo. Egyptian fruit bats are suspected of being the reservoir host.

Retroviruses: Viruses that contain a single strand of RNA as their genetic material and reproduce by copying the RNA into a complementary DNA strand using the enzyme reverse transcriptase. The single-stra . . . View Full Definition

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID): A genetic disorder in which affiicted individuals have no functional immune system and are prone to infections. Both the cell-mediated immune response and the antibody-mediated response are absent.

Virus: A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Most viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade . . . View Full Definition

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A diverse group of viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes of humans and a variety of animals. Over 100 different human papillomavirus (HPV) types have been identified. Some HPV ty . . . View Full Definition

RNA Virus: A virus that has ribonucleic acid (RNA) as its genetic material and does not replicate using a DNA intermediate.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): The retrovirus that attacks T-cells in the human immune system, destroying the bodys defenses and allowing the development of AIDS.

DNA Virus: A virus that has DNA as its genetic material and replicates using a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase.