lentivirus

lentivirus

 [len´tĭ-vi″rus]

any member of a genus of retroviruses that have long incubation periods and cause chronic, progressive, usually fatal diseases in humans and other animals. Species include the types of human immunodeficiency virus.

len·ti·vi·rus

(len'ti-vī'rŭs),

A genus in the family Retroviridae containing five serogroups that reflect the host with which they are associated. Among the primate lentiviruses are human immunodeficiency viruses types 1 and 2.

lentivirus

(lĕn′tĭ-vī′rəs)

n. pl. lentivi·ruses

Any of a group of retroviruses of the genus Lentivirus that cause diseases with a long latent period and a slow, progressive course. HIV is a lentivirus.