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Person-to-Person Bacterial and Viral Diseases - Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and AIDS

7 important questions on Person-to-Person Bacterial and Viral Diseases - Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and AIDS

Explain the criteria for defining a case of HIV/AIDS. How does the destruction of immune system cells contribute to death from AIDS?

A case of HIV/AIDS is defined by a positive HIV test and meeting criteria related to CD4 T cell counts or specific diseases. Destruction of immune system cells, especially CD4 cells, leads to a compromised immune response, making the host susceptible to opportunistic infections. Death from AIDS is often the result of these secondary infections, which a healthy immune system would control.

Describe the pathogenesis of HIV, including its primary target cells and the role of CD4 surface protein. Why is the destruction of T-helper lymphocytes significant?

HIV primarily infects macrophages and T-helper lymphocytes, cells crucial to the immune system. CD4 surface protein on these cells interacts with HIV, facilitating viral entry. Destruction of T-helper lymphocytes is significant because they play a key role in coordinating the immune response; their loss weakens the overall immune system.

Discuss the symptoms of HIV/AIDS and the typical progression of untreated HIV infection to AIDS. Why is monitoring CD4 cell numbers crucial in HIV/AIDS patients?

Symptoms include a progressive decline in CD4 cell numbers, leading to opportunistic infections. Untreated HIV infection follows a pattern of initial immune response, subsequent overwhelm, and gradual increase in HIV levels. Monitoring CD4 cell numbers is crucial as a decline below a certain threshold correlates with increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
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Examine the various drug categories used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, explaining how each category contributes to reducing viral load. Why is highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) the standard approach?

Drug categories include reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, fusion inhibitors, and integrase inhibitors. Each inhibits a specific step in the HIV replication cycle. HAART combines at least three drugs to prevent resistance. It aims to reduce viral load to undetectable levels, slowing disease progression.

What are the challenges associated with HIV/AIDS prevention? Discuss the role of public education and the current strategies to prevent HIV transmission.

Challenges include the lack of an approved HIV vaccine. Prevention involves public education, sexual abstinence, and avoiding high-risk behaviors. Condom use, regular testing, and avoiding activities involving body fluid exchange are recommended. Public education is crucial to raising awareness about transmission modes and prevention strategies.

What does the enzyme reverse transcriptase do, and why is it a good target for anti-HIV drugs?

The enzyme reverse transcriptase helps the HIV virus convert its RNA into DNA, allowing it to replicate in human cells. Anti-HIV drugs target reverse transcriptase because they can inhibit this essential step in the virus's life cycle, slowing down or preventing its ability to multiply. By blocking reverse transcriptase, these medications can help control the progression of HIV infection in the body.

What is HAART therapy for treating AIDS patients?

HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy) is a combination of different medications used to treat HIV/AIDS. It involves taking a combination of three or more antiretroviral drugs to suppress the HIV virus and prevent it from progressing to AIDS. This therapy can help improve the health and quality of life of AIDS patients by reducing viral load, increasing CD4 cell count, and preventing the development of opportunistic infections.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

Brock Biology of Microorganisms, Global Edition | 9781292235103 | Michael T Madigan, et al

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