What does it mean:
HIV-RNA
HIV-RNA is the genetic material of the HIV virus.
- Instead of a person’s DNA, HIV uses RNA to store its instructions.
- When HIV infects a cell, it uses a particular enzyme to convert its RNA into DNA. This DNA is added to the host cell’s DNA.
- The new DNA ensures that the cell produces more HIV-RNA and more HIV particles, so that the virus can spread.
HIV-RNA is therefore needed for producing new viruses and maintaining the infection.