Evolution, distribution, and diversity of immunodeficiency viruses

Abstract

Immunodeficiency viruses infect the host and primarily affect the immune system of an organism, i.e., host. Till date Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Bovine Immunodeficiency Virus (BIV), and Dog Immunodeficiency Virus (DIV) were reported in the literature. These viruses belong to phylum-Incertae sedis, family-Retroviridae, genus-Lentivirus, and order-Ortervirales. The review discusses about evolution, distribution, and diversity of immunodeficiency viruses, which helps in understanding the biology of HIV and how to develop a vaccine to the most harmful and dreadful diseases.