Human T-lymphotropic virus

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Classification

Higher order taxa

Viral Group: Group IV (ssRNA-RT)

Family: Retroviridae

Genus: Deltaretrovirus

Species: Simian T-lymphotropic virus

Species

Deltaretrovirus Simian T-lymphotropic virus

Description and significance

Human T-lymphotropic virus was first discovered in Japan in 1977 as the first human retrovirus to be identified as such. It is thought to be the disease causing agent in several ailments such as tropical spastic paraparesis and leukemia.

Genome structure

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?

Cell structure and metabolism

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Ecology

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Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

Application to Biotechnology

Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

Current Research

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References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

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