What is $AIDS$? How does $AIDS$ spread? Mention the symptoms of $AIDS$. Is there a cure for $AIDS$?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) $AIDS$ stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome.
$AIDS$ is not a congenital disease; it is acquired during the lifetime of an individual,indicating a deficiency of the immune system. Syndrome means a group of symptoms.
It was first reported in $1981$ in the $USA$. In the last few decades,it has spread all over the world,killing millions of people. It was first reported in India in $1986$ in Tamil Nadu.
It is caused by the Human Immuno Deficiency Virus $(HIV)$,a member of a group of viruses called retroviruses. They have an envelope enclosing $RNA$ as their genetic material.
After entering the human body,the virus enters macrophages. With the help of the reverse transcriptase enzyme,viral $RNA$ is converted into viral $DNA$,which then incorporates into the host genome. The macrophage acts as an $HIV$ factory.
Subsequently,$HIV$ enters helper $T$-lymphocytes,replicates,and produces progeny viruses. These new viruses attack other $T$-cells,leading to a progressive decrease in the number of helper $T$-cells in the body.
$AIDS$ spreads through:
$1$. Sexual contact with an infected person.
$2$. Transfusion of $HIV$-contaminated blood.
$3$. Sharing infected needles or syringes.
$4$. From an infected mother to her child through the placenta or breastfeeding.
It does not spread by mere physical contact or sharing utensils.
There is a time lag between infection and the appearance of symptoms,which may vary from a few months to many years (usually $5$ to $10$ years). During this period,the person may appear healthy but can act as a carrier.
Symptoms include persistent fever,weight loss,diarrhea,fatigue,and body aches. In the final stages,patients may suffer from severe weight loss,prolonged fever,chronic diarrhea,pneumonia,and cancers like Kaposi's sarcoma.
There is no complete cure for $AIDS$. Treatment with anti-retroviral drugs is only partially effective; it can prolong the life of the patient but cannot prevent death. There is no vaccine available,making it an incurable disease. Organizations like $NACO$ and $WHO$ run various programs to prevent the spread of $HIV$ infection.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Which of the following is $NOT$ a symptom of $ARC$ ($AIDS$-Related Complex)?

The genome of $HIV$ replicates in the macrophages with the help of an enzyme called:

In the given flow diagram,the replication of a retrovirus in a host is shown. Observe and answer the following questions.
$(a)$ Fill in $(A)$ and $(B)$.
$(b)$ Why is the virus called a retrovirus?
$(c)$ Can the infected cell survive while viruses are being replicated and released?

The World Health Organization has started a number of programmes to prevent the spreading of $HIV$ infection.
Few such steps include:
$I.$ Ensuring the use of disposable needles and syringes.
$II.$ Free distribution of condoms.
$III.$ Advocating safe sex.
$IV.$ Controlling drug abuse.
Which of the steps given above are correct?

Which diagnostic test is suggested for patients suspected of having $AIDS$?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo