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[Microbiology](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/) · [Viruses](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/#d-virus)

# 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

## Key points

- HIV: a retrovirus that destroys CD4 T cells; ART combines several classes
- HTLV-1: adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma and tropical spastic paraparesis
- Rabies: almost 100% fatal once symptoms start; post-exposure prophylaxis prevents it
- Rotavirus and norovirus: contact precautions; alcohol gel works poorly against norovirus
- Polio: an enterovirus that destroys anterior horn motor neurons

## Microorganisms in this group

- [**Human immunodeficiency virus** A virus that slowly destroys the body's defences (CD4 cells). Untreated it leads to AIDS; with antiretrovirals people live long lives. Exam priority: high](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/human-immunodeficiency-virus/)
- [**Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1** A retrovirus that infects T cells. Most carriers never fall ill, but it can cause leukaemia or a slow paralysis of the legs. For completeness](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/human-t-lymphotropic-virus-type-1/)
- [**Rabies virus** A 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](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/rabies-virus/)
- [**Rotavirus** A virus that causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting in babies and young children. The oral childhood vaccine has greatly cut severe cases. Exam priority: medium](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/rotavirus/)
- [**Norovirus** A highly contagious virus that causes sudden vomiting and diarrhoea. It drives outbreaks on cruise ships and in hospitals, schools and restaurants. Exam priority: medium](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/norovirus/)
- [**Enteroviruses** A family of gut viruses that includes poliovirus. Most cause mild illness, but they can cause meningitis, myocarditis or paralysis. For completeness](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/enteroviruses/)

## 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.

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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](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids) (World Health Organization (WHO), 2025); [Rabies](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies) (World Health Organization (WHO), 2025); [Appendix A: Type and Duration of Precautions Recommended for Selected Infections and Conditions](https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/isolation-precautions/appendix-a-type-duration.html) (CDC, 2024).

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