Pathology · Immune System · Medium

Retrovirus

Meaning: RNA-based infectious agent that uses reverse transcriptase to copy its genes into the host cell's DNA.

In practice: HIV is the best-known human retrovirus and is treated with antiretroviral therapy.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related pathology words.

Which word means: A microorganism such as a bacterium or virus that causes disease.

Which word means: Bloodstream infection with pus-forming bacteria that seed multiple abscesses around the body.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.