Which virus lacks DNA polymerase in its virion: HTLV (Human T-lymphotropic virus), HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), or EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 17, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Research

Virus Characteristics

  • HTLV (Human T-lymphotropic virus) is a retrovirus that contains reverse transcriptase (RT) in its virion 1, 2.
  • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is also a retrovirus that contains reverse transcriptase (RT) in its virion 3, 4.
  • EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) is a DNA virus that replicates using the host cell's DNA polymerase, and it does not contain DNA polymerase in its virion.

Virion Composition

  • The virion of HTLV-1 contains RT-integrase (IN) and RT, as well as smaller proteins containing the polymerase or RNase H domains 1.
  • The virion of HIV-1 contains reverse transcriptase (RT) as a component of the Gag-Pol polyprotein 3.
  • There is no evidence to suggest that EBV lacks DNA polymerase in its virion because it is a DNA virus and does not require reverse transcriptase for replication.

Transmission and Replication

  • Both HIV-1 and HTLV-1 are transmitted between individuals via blood transfusion, tissue/organ transplantation, breastfeeding, and sexual intercourse, and they can spread within the host using either cell-free or cell-to-cell modes of transmission 4.
  • EBV can be detected in human and other primate cell lines, and it can produce EBV particles upon stimulation 5.

Based on the provided evidence, it appears that EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) is the virus that lacks DNA polymerase in its virion, as it is a DNA virus and does not require reverse transcriptase for replication 5.

References

Related Questions

Which virus does not have DNA polymerase: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), or Adenovirus?
What are the causes of persistent hypokalemia?
What are scheduled inpatient pain medications, excluding opioids, that do not cause nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity?
What are the contraindications to scheduled ondansetron (Zofran)?
Can Vitamin C deficiency cause leukocytosis (increased white blood cell count)?
Which virus lacks DNA polymerase in its virion: HTLV (Human T-lymphotropic virus), HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus), or HBV (Hepatitis B Virus)?
What are the appropriate inpatient medications for dry nose (rhinitis) and hemoptysis (bloody sputum) exacerbations during the winter season?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question