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==Agent==

==Agent==

FIV is prevalent in cat populations throughout the world and is an important cause of feline disease. FIV belongs to the lentivirus family of the retrovirus group.

FIV is a member of the lentivirus genus of the Retroviridae family. The Retroviridae are enveloped viruses which contain a single-stranded RNA genome within an icosahedral nucleocapsid. Glycoprotein surface spikes are located on the envelope. Unusually, Retroviruses have a diplod genome: two identical copies of their positive-sense ssRNA are found on the virion^viro. During viral replication, reverse transcriptase converts the ssRNA genome to ssDNA. A dsDNA can then be made from the ssDNA template. This provirus DNA then becomes integrated into the host genome, where it serves as a template for the production of progeny ssRNA genomes and messenger RNA. The host cell's transcription mechanisms perform these tasks.

     * The conversion of ssRNA to ssDNA, mediated by the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase, results in a dsDNA molecule longer than that of the original genome. This dsDNA migrates to the nucleus where it is ultimately integrated into the host chromosome by the viral enzyme integrase.

     * The conversion of ssRNA to ssDNA, mediated by the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase, results in a dsDNA molecule longer than that of the original genome. This dsDNA migrates to the nucleus where it is ultimately integrated into the host chromosome by the viral enzyme integrase.

     * Once integrated into the host genome, the viral dsDNA is referred to as a provirus. The provirus remains latent until "triggered" into transcription of mRNA by host cell machinery.

     * Once integrated into the host genome, the viral dsDNA is referred to as a provirus. The provirus remains latent until "triggered" into transcription of mRNA by host cell machinery.