Viper retroviruses are a group of retroviruses that infect snakes. The spelling of the word "viper" is /ˈvaɪ.pər/, with the stress on the first syllable and the vowel sound in the second syllable pronounced as in "pie". "Retroviruses" is spelled /ˌrɛ.trəʊ.ˈvaɪ.rə.sɪz/, with the stress on the third syllable and the "o" in the second syllable pronounced like the "o" in "go". The combination of the two words creates a scientific term that accurately and effectively describes this type of virus.
Viper retroviruses are a subgroup of retroviruses that primarily infect snakes, particularly those of the Viperidae family. Retroviruses are a family of RNA viruses that have the ability to convert their RNA genome into DNA, which can then be integrated into the genome of the host cell. This subgroup of retroviruses is named after the vipers, a venomous snake species.
Viper retroviruses are known to cause a variety of diseases in snakes, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. These viruses commonly target the immune system of their host and can lead to immunosuppression, making the infected snake more susceptible to secondary infections. Some viper retroviruses have also been associated with the development of tumors, such as lymphomas and sarcomas, in infected snakes.
The transmission of viper retroviruses is mainly through direct contact with contaminated bodily fluids, such as blood and saliva, of infected snakes. Although the exact mechanisms of transmission are not fully understood, it is believed that bites and wounds play a significant role in viral spread among snake populations.
Efforts to study and understand viper retroviruses are ongoing, as they have implications for both snake health and conservation. Further research aims to develop diagnostic tools and effective treatment strategies to mitigate the impact of these retroviruses on snake populations.
The word "viper" is derived from the Latin word "vipera", meaning "snake", specifically referring to venomous snakes such as vipers. This term was later adopted into Old English as "wipera". The word "retrovirus" is a combination of "retro-" which means "backward" and "virus". The term "retrovirus" was coined by molecular biologist Howard Temin in 1970 to describe a type of RNA virus that replicates by reverse transcription, a process by which the virus transcribes its RNA into DNA using the enzyme reverse transcriptase. Therefore, "viper retroviruses" refers to a group of retroviruses associated with vipers or snake species belonging to the Viperidae family.