What type of virus is responsible for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is classified as a retrovirus. Retroviruses are a subclass of RNA viruses characterized by their unique replication cycle which involves reverse transcription. In this cycle, the viral RNA is reverse transcribed into DNA by the enzyme reverse transcriptase. This DNA can then integrate into the host cell's genome, allowing the virus to replicate and produce new viral particles.

HIV specifically targets CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for the immune response. The integration of HIV's genetic material into the host's DNA leads to persistent infection and the eventual progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated.

Understanding that HIV is a retrovirus is important for treatment strategies, as antiretroviral therapies specifically target various stages of the retroviral life cycle, including the reverse transcription process and integration into the host genome. This classification helps guide effective therapeutic approaches and enhances our understanding of the virus's pathogenic mechanisms.