Spumavirus

**Semantic type:** Virus

**Definition:** Genus of retroviruses which establish persistent, but non pathogenic infections in mammals and primates, including humans, chimpanzees, cattle, and cats. It is unique among retroviruses in having infectious particles that carry DNA rather than RNA. Similar to hepadnaviruses, spumaviruses bud from the endoplasmic reticulum instead of the plasma membrane. Infected cells accumulate vacuoles, giving them a foamy appearance and are often involved in syncytium formation.

**Synonyms:** - Foamy Retrovirus - Foamy Virus