Viral Diseases and Immunity

HIV infects CD4+ T cells (primary target), macrophages, and dendritic cells through CD4 receptors and co-receptors (CCR5, CXCR4). This multi-cell tropism explains the virus's ability to evade immune detection and establish reservoirs.

HIV/AIDS symptoms include whitish coating (oral thrush, candidiasis) indicating fungal infection, and purple spots (Kaposi's sarcoma) which is a cancer. Both are opportunistic conditions common in advanced immunosuppression.

Acute HIV Syndrome (AHS) is the mononucleosis-like illness occurring 2-4 weeks after infection, characterized by fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy. It represents the initial immune response before the chronic phase.

HIV infection is confirmed through ELISA screening tests, followed by confirmatory Western blot (misspelled as Westren-bolt). The test detects HIV antibodies in blood, with urine tests also available but less common.

HIV infection significantly increases the risk of Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer caused by HHV-8, and certain lymphomas. Among the options listed, cervical cancer has the strongest documented link to HIV - women with HIV have higher rates of cervical dysplasia and cancer due to reduced ability to fight HPV, which causes cervical cancer. The other cancers (leukemia, breast, thyroid) are not specifically HIV-associated.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It attacks the body's immune system, specifically CD4 cells (T cells), making it harder to fight infections. Option A has 'Immunity' instead of 'Immuno' and 'Defect' instead of 'Deficiency'. Option C has 'Immune' instead of 'Immuno'.

HIV can be transmitted through blood, including contaminated needles and equipment used for body piercing or tattooing. If instruments are not properly sterilized between clients and are contaminated with HIV-positive blood, the virus can be passed to the next person. This is why licensed professionals must use sterile, single-use or properly autoclaved equipment.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes infection, while AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the late stage of HIV infection when the immune system is severely damaged. A person can live with HIV for many years without developing AIDS, especially with modern antiretroviral therapy. Not everyone with HIV has AIDS.

This statement is factually accurate. HIV/AIDS has no complete cure, though antiretroviral therapy can manage it. The primary transmission modes are unprotected sexual intercourse and sharing needles with an HIV-positive person.

Antiretroviral medicines (ARVs) can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. This is known as Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT).

FALSE is correct because HIV can affect anyone, not just drug users or gay men. HIV is transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. Heterosexual contact accounts for many HIV transmissions globally, and people of any sexual orientation or drug use status can become infected.

None of the above is correct. HIV is only transmitted through specific body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. It is NOT transmitted through sharing utensils, mosquito bites, hugging, or other casual contact. The virus is fragile and cannot survive outside the body.

A CD4 count of 200 or less indicates significant immune system damage and is one of the criteria for an AIDS diagnosis. At this level, the immune system is severely compromised and the person is at high risk for opportunistic infections. Antiretroviral treatment should definitely be started to restore immune function.

Window period is the correct term. This is the time between initial HIV infection and when the infection can be detected by a test. During this period, a person may be infected but test negative because antibodies have not yet developed. The window period typically lasts 2-4 weeks but can extend to 3 months in rare cases.