SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus)

Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) is a virus that infects primates, like monkeys and apes. It is similar to HIV in humans but specifically targets non-human primates. SIV attacks the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections. Scientists study SIV to understand how similar viruses evolve and spread, which helps in researching HIV/AIDS in humans. While SIV itself doesn't usually cause illness in its natural hosts, it can sometimes lead to disease if it spreads to other species or if the immune system is compromised.