Retroviruses are a family of RNA viruses that replicate in a host cell through the process of reverse transcription. Upon entering a host cell, retroviruses convert their single-stranded RNA genome into double-stranded DNA using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This DNA can then integrate into the host cell's genome, allowing the virus to replicate along with the host's own DNA when the host cell divides.

Articles by others on the same topic (1)

Retrovirus by Ciro Santilli 37 Updated +Created
Integrates its RNA genome into the host genome.
Sounds complicated! The advantage is likely as in HIV: once inside the cell, it can remain hidden far away from the cell surface, but still infections.