MicrobeWorld

The genomes of most higher organisms contain sequences from retroviral genomes called endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). These are DNA copies of retroviral RNAs that are integrated into the germ line DNA of the host, and passed from parent to offspring. In most species the infections that lead to germ line ERVs appear to have occurred millions of years ago. The Koala retrovirus, KoRV, is the only retrovirus that we know of that is currently invading the germ line of its host species. A study of Koala pelts preserved in museums suggests how recently the virus infected this animal.