Human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2), the causative agents of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), are RNA viruses belonging to the genus Lentivirus of the family Retroviridae. Like all retroviruses, replication involves reverse transcription of the RNA genome into a double-stranded DNA molecule, with subsequent integration into the host genome. This integrated retroviral DNA is referred to as the provirus. Due to this complex replicative cycle, molecular assays used in the diagnosis and management of HIV-1 infection may target either HIV-1 RNA or proviral DNA. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.