HIV Viral DNA - an explanation

In the Hivex website the expression “viral DNA” – is used accurately.

Yes, the virus itself contains RNA, not DNA. After it has entered the cytoplasm of another cell (let’s say, a CD4 cell) it is copied by the enzyme reverse transcriptase to make cDNA (complimentary DNA). The original strand of viral RNA is then destroyed by another enzyme, ribonuclease, and then a second strand of RNA is synthesized by copying the first copy – making DNA – that is what I (in common with others) have called “viral DNA”.
It is that “viral DNA” (which exists inside the cytoplasm of the infected cell, not in the virion) that is eventually spliced into the DNA of the infected cell. Is that clear?
Look at the two video clips on the How does HIVEX Treatment work page – you will see that they use the same terminology, and indeed, I have never seen any other.
 In short, when the expression “viral DNA” is used, it means the DNA that has been created within the infected cell from the RNA that was part of the virion.

Visit the Hivex website here:
http://www.hivex-treatment.org/