Other RNA viruses !
- Viruses
Retroviruses (HIV, HTLV-1), rabies virus and the enteric viruses: rotavirus, norovirus and enteroviruses such as poliovirus.
Updated 2026-11-01
What they are
This group gathers RNA viruses that are not arboviruses, hepatitis viruses or respiratory viruses. Retroviruses copy their RNA into DNA and integrate into the lymphocyte genome; rabies virus travels up nerves to the brain; non-enveloped enteric viruses resist the environment and spread faecal-orally.
What they share
- Retroviruses: reverse transcriptase and integration into host DNA
- Rabies: spread by bites and retrograde travel along nerves
- Rotavirus, norovirus and enteroviruses: non-enveloped, faecal-oral and very hardy
- Enteric viruses call for contact precautions and bleach cleaning
Microorganisms in this group
- Human immunodeficiency virusA virus that slowly destroys the body's defences (CD4 cells). Untreated it leads to AIDS; with antiretrovirals people live long lives.Exam priority: high
- Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1A retrovirus that infects T cells. Most carriers never fall ill, but it can cause leukaemia or a slow paralysis of the legs.For completeness
- Rabies virusA virus passed in the saliva of infected animals that climbs the nerves to the brain. Once symptoms start it is almost always fatal, but it is preventable.Exam priority: high
- RotavirusA virus that causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting in babies and young children. The oral childhood vaccine has greatly cut severe cases.Exam priority: medium
- NorovirusA highly contagious virus that causes sudden vomiting and diarrhoea. It drives outbreaks on cruise ships and in hospitals, schools and restaurants.Exam priority: medium
- EnterovirusesA family of gut viruses that includes poliovirus. Most cause mild illness, but they can cause meningitis, myocarditis or paralysis.For completeness
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which enzyme do HIV and HTLV-1 share?
Reverse transcriptase, which copies viral RNA into DNA for integration into the host genome.
Why do non-enveloped enteric viruses call for bleach cleaning?
They resist alcohol, mild detergents and the environment; hypochlorite does inactivate them.
Why does post-exposure prophylaxis work in rabies?
The virus moves slowly along nerves; vaccine and immunoglobulin neutralize it before it reaches the central nervous system.
Educational content on microorganisms; not a treatment guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: HIV and AIDS (World Health Organization (WHO), 2025); Rabies (World Health Organization (WHO), 2025); Appendix A: Type and Duration of Precautions Recommended for Selected Infections and Conditions (CDC, 2024).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.