What is a retrovirus?

A retrovirus is a family of viruses in which the genetic material consists of RNA. Microorganisms contain reverse transcriptase.

Retroviruses are microscopic organisms that can cause some types of cancer, various viral infections. Moreover, pathologies can occur not only in humans, but also in animals. In humans, retroviruses cause HIV infection (AIDS).

Virus features

Retroviruses are unique organisms. They are able to multiply by transcribing into DNA. They enter the bloodstream, the transcription process begins. After its completion, the viral genome gains full access to the DNA of the host cell and begins to reproduce all the processes occurring with it. In daughter cells, viral DNA creates RNA copies. This process can continue for a long time, but, in the end, copies leave daughter cells and become covered with a protein coat. As a result of this, retroviruses cause a change in the normal process of replication that occurs in cells in which RNA is involved. This process is reversing. The infected cells themselves are stored in the body for a long time. In some cases, mutable cells are destroyed, as happens with HIV infection, and sometimes turn into cancer.

Retroviruses include the Retroviridae family of viruses. They are prone to mutations, which is why they quickly become resistant to antiviral drugs. Due to this feature, it is difficult to combat retroviral infection.

Some people think that a retrovirus is a simple virus that resembles the flu, but it is not. This variety is dangerous and it is almost impossible to fight with it. To counteract, it is necessary to develop special treatment regimens using antiviral drugs. In order not to become infected with a retroviral infection, it is easier to carry out preventive measures in the form of routine vaccinations.

Despite the fact that retroviruses can cause life-threatening diseases, they can be easily overcome with ordinary soap and water: for decontamination, it is enough to wash hands with soap. Barrier preventive measures are used to prevent the spread, including rubber gloves, face masks, some brands of condoms.

Retrovirus Classification

The first examples of retrovirus and its effects on a living organism were described more than a hundred years ago. Since then, interest in the microorganism has grown significantly. Now retroviruses are divided into the following types:

1. The family of oncogenic viruses. This variety contributes to the development of sarcomas and leukemia in humans and animals. One of the most important representatives of this type of ailment is the human T-lymphotropic virus.
2. Lentivirus family. A prominent representative of the group is HIV.
3. The spumavirus family. This species is not associated with any pathologies, but is capable of causing changes at the cellular level.

As the morphology of the virus was studied, various types of organisms were identified, which were divided into several groups:

1. Shellless organisms.
2. Shell species with an acentric nucleocapsid arrangement.
3. Shell species in which the nucleocapsid is located centrally.
4. Large viruses with a minimum number of spikes.

Virus RNA has several reading frames; accordingly, only certain groups of structural proteins will encode it: Gag, CA, MA, and NC groups.

Pathologies caused by RNA viruses

There are a number of pathologies that are caused by RNA viruses. These include:

1. Flu.
2. Rubella.
3. Measles.
4. Viral enteritis.
5. Mumps.
6. Enterovirus infections.
7. HIV
8. Human T-lymphotropic infection of type 1.
9. Type 2 human lymphotropic infection.

RNA viruses can trigger sarcoma and leukemia.

Acute Retroviral Syndrome for HIV

Among all existing pathologies caused by RNA-containing microorganisms, the most common is acute retroviral syndrome. This is a primary infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, lasting up to six months after infection.

After infection, HIV usually goes from a few weeks to several months. There are no clinical manifestations of infection at this time. This asymptomatic period is called incubation. In some cases, it can last up to a year.

Symptoms of a retrovirus are manifested gradually, starting with damage to the upper respiratory tract, as in the case of influenza, although the onset of the pathology occurs much more often in patients as mononucleosis:

• there is stomatitis, pharyngitis with damage to the lymph nodes;
• body temperature rises;
• appetite decreases, the patient begins to lose weight;
• nausea, impaired stool;
• the size of the spleen and liver increase;
• a rash appears on the skin;
• aseptic meningitis develops, the patient’s mental state is disturbed, neuritis appears.

Diagnosis of the syndrome

The acute phase of the pathology lasts about ten days. To establish that the patient has a viral pathology, it is necessary to donate blood for analysis: HIV RNA is detected in the plasma. Then, the acute phase of retroviral syndrome is confirmed. To do this, re-analysis. If, after three weeks, antibodies to HIV are found in the blood, and in the general analysis, leukopenia and lymphopenia, then we can assume an acute phase.

If the disease is not detected in this phase and treatment is not prescribed, the symptoms of the retrovirus can subside for several years. The only clinical manifestation may be an increase in lymph nodes.

If the diagnosis is done on time, and the treatment of the retrovirus is prescribed correctly, then patients can live with the pathology for more than twenty years.

Treatment

There are many different opinions about the initial treatment, but they all boil down to the fact that therapy should be started immediately after a diagnosis is established, without waiting for clinical manifestations and complications.

Knowing why the retrovirus dies, the doctor can choose the right treatment regimen and prescribe antiviral drugs. Usually, two antiretroviral agents are selected , which are taken under laboratory control of blood serum.

Most often prescribed:

• drugs belonging to the group of reverse transcriptase nucleosides;
• funds from the protease group;
• preparations related to non-nucleoside transcriptase inhibitors.

The treatment of secondary pathologies plays a huge role in the treatment of retroviral infection. To this end, the doctor prescribes a full examination, during which it is determined what ailments the patient suffers. After the detection of chronic diseases, therapy is selected aimed at getting rid of diseases or achieving stable remission.

As an additional treatment, vitamin therapy, physiotherapy, immunotherapy, and nutrition correction are mandatory.

After treatment, the patient will have to see a doctor all his life, lead a healthy lifestyle, follow strict recommendations. Otherwise, the retrovirus may be reactivated.

T-lymphotropic human viruses

T-lymphotropic pathologies are divided into two types: type 1 and type 2. Each of them is represented by certain ailments caused by RNA viruses.

The first type of T-lymphotropic infection includes T-cell leukemia, lymphoma and tropical spastic paraparesis. In epidemiological areas where there is a high level of infection with the T-lymphotropic virus, dermatitis, pneumonia, arthritis are diagnosed.

T-lymphotropic infection of the second type causes T-cell lymphoma and some types of leukemia. In rare cases, the microorganism can lead to the development of hairy cell leukemia.

Finally

Any infection is easier to prevent than to treat, and especially infection with RNA viruses. To be healthy, you must follow the rules of personal hygiene, wash your hands with soap. Good immunity and a healthy lifestyle will help protect against pathology.

For the prevention of retroviral infections, you should take the habit of washing your hands every time you go into the house from the street, before each meal. It is mandatory to use barrier agents - condoms, rubber gloves, masks. These simple rules will help minimize the risk of retroviral infection.