AIDS Questions in English

(D) The prevention of $AIDS$ involves several strategies:
$1$. Maintaining a single sexual partner reduces the risk of transmission through sexual contact.
$2$. Using condoms during sexual intercourse acts as a barrier,preventing the exchange of bodily fluids.
$3$. Using only disposable needles and syringes for injections prevents the transmission of the $HIV$ virus through contaminated medical equipment.
Therefore,all the mentioned options are correct preventive measures for $AIDS$.

(D) $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) primarily targets and infects helper $T-$cells (also known as $CD4^+$ $T-$cells).
Once inside the body,the virus binds to the $CD4$ receptors on the surface of these cells.
It then enters the cell,replicates,and eventually destroys the helper $T-$cells.
This leads to a progressive decline in the number of helper $T-$cells,which severely weakens the immune system,making the body susceptible to opportunistic infections.

(A, C) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the $HIV$ virus.
It is transmitted through:
$1$. Sexual contact with an infected person.
$2$. Transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products.
$3$. Sharing of infected needles or syringes.
$4$. From an infected mother to her child through the placenta.
Handshaking or casual physical contact does not transmit $HIV$.

(A) $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) primarily targets and infects helper $T$-lymphocytes (also known as $CD4^+$ $T$-cells).
Upon entering the body,the virus replicates within these cells,leading to their progressive destruction.
As the number of helper $T$-cells decreases significantly,the body's immune system becomes severely compromised,making the individual susceptible to various opportunistic infections.
Therefore,$HIV$ causes a specific and significant reduction in helper $T$-cells.

(D) $AIDS$ stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome.
It is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$.
$HIV$ is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system,specifically the $CD4^+$ $T$-helper cells,leading to a progressive failure of the immune system.

(C) $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus.
Its genetic material consists of two identical strands of single-stranded $RNA$ $(ssRNA)$.
Upon entering the host cell,the viral $RNA$ is reverse-transcribed into $DNA$ by the enzyme reverse transcriptase,which then integrates into the host genome.

(A) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
Upon entering the human body,the $HIV$ virus attacks and replicates within the Helper $T$-lymphocytes (also known as $CD4^+$ $T$-cells).
As the virus continues to replicate,it leads to the progressive destruction of these Helper $T$-cells.
Since Helper $T$-cells are essential for coordinating the immune response,their significant reduction leads to a severe weakening of the body's immune system,making the individual susceptible to various opportunistic infections.

(D) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the $HIV$ virus. It is not a contagious disease and does not spread through casual contact like shaking hands,sharing clothes,or living with an infected person. It spreads through:
$1$. Sexual contact with an infected person.
$2$. Transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products.
$3$. Sharing infected needles or syringes.
$4$. From an infected mother to her child through the placenta.
$5$. Organ transplantation from an infected donor.

(A) $ARC$ stands for $AIDS$-Related Complex. It refers to a clinical condition that is less severe than full-blown $AIDS$ but involves symptoms such as fever,weight loss,lymphadenopathy,and fatigue,which occur in individuals infected with $HIV$ before the onset of $AIDS$. Therefore,it is considered an early or prodromal stage of $AIDS$.

(B) $ELISA$ (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is the primary screening test used for the diagnosis of $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome).
It detects the presence of antibodies produced by the body against the $HIV$ virus.
If the $ELISA$ test is positive,a confirmatory test like Western Blot is usually performed.

(D) Statement $P$ is incorrect because $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus that contains $RNA$ as its genetic material,not $DNA$.
Statement $Q$ is correct because $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is a life-threatening condition caused by the $HIV$ virus,which severely damages the human immune system,leading to a deficiency in immunity.
Therefore,Statement $P$ is incorrect and Statement $Q$ is correct.

(C) The figure shows the structure of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$.
$(1)$ $HIV$ is the causative agent of Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome $(AIDS)$.
$(2)$ The part labeled $(A)$ represents the viral core (or capsid) which contains the viral genetic material $(RNA)$.
Therefore,the correct option is $(C)$.

(A) The provided figure represents the structure of the $HIV$ virus.
In this structure,$A$ points to the viral genetic material,which is $RNA$.
$B$ points to the outer envelope or the lipid layer (membrane) that surrounds the capsid.
Therefore,$A$ represents viral $RNA$ and $B$ represents the lipid layer.

(C) $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) primarily targets and infects helper $T$-lymphocytes (also known as $CD4^+$ $T$-cells).
Once inside these cells,the virus replicates,leading to the destruction of the helper $T$-cells.
As the number of helper $T$-cells decreases,the body's immune system becomes severely weakened,making the individual susceptible to various opportunistic infections.

(C) $AIDS$ is a disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$.
It is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids,specifically blood,semen,vaginal secretions,and breast milk.
$1$. Transmission occurs through sexual contact with an infected person.
$2$. Transmission occurs through the transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products.
$3$. Transmission occurs by sharing infected needles or syringes.
$4$. Transmission occurs from an infected mother to her child through the placenta or during breastfeeding.
$AIDS$ does not spread through casual physical contact,such as hugging,shaking hands,or sharing personal items like clothes,towels,or utensils,as the virus cannot survive outside the human body for long and is not present in sufficient quantities in sweat or saliva to cause infection.
Therefore,using clothes worn by an $AIDS$ patient does not transmit the virus.

(D) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
$HIV$ is a retrovirus that primarily targets $T_H$ cells (Helper $T$-lymphocytes).
Upon entering the body, the virus replicates inside these $T_H$ cells, leading to a progressive decrease in their count.
This results in a severe weakening of the immune system, making the patient susceptible to various infections.
$AIDS$ does not spread through casual contact like sharing food, and there is currently no $100\%$ cure for it.
Therefore, statement $D$ is correct.

(C) The $HIV$ virus targets the immune system by infecting helper $T$-lymphocytes ($CD4^+$ cells).
After entering the host cell,the viral $RNA$ is converted into $DNA$ by the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
The viral $DNA$ incorporates into the host genome and directs the production of new viral particles.
As the virus replicates,it causes the destruction of helper $T$-lymphocytes.
When the count of helper $T$-lymphocytes drops significantly,the individual becomes immunocompromised,leading to the clinical manifestation of $AIDS$ symptoms.

(A) Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome $(AIDS)$ is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$.
To diagnose $HIV$ infection,the most commonly used screening test is $ELISA$ (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay).
If the $ELISA$ test is positive,it is usually confirmed by a more specific test called the Western Blot test.
$MRI$ and Ultrasound are imaging techniques used for structural body analysis,and the Widal test is used for the diagnosis of Typhoid fever.

(D) $HIV$ is a spherical virus with a diameter of about $90-120 \ nm$.
Its genome consists of two identical molecules of single-stranded $RNA$ and is associated with reverse transcriptase enzymes.
The envelope consists of a lipid bilayer derived from the host cell membrane with projecting glycoprotein spikes.
$HIV$ is a retrovirus that specifically attacks helper $T$ cells ($CD4^+$ cells).
By destroying these cells,it cripples the acquired immune response,as the immune system cannot signal $B$ cells to produce antibodies effectively.
This leads to a state of immune deficiency known as $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome).

(A) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$.
$HIV$ is a retrovirus that specifically targets and destroys $CD4^+$ $T$-helper lymphocytes.
These cells are crucial for the immune system as they coordinate the immune response by activating $B$-lymphocytes to produce antibodies and stimulating cytotoxic $T$-cells.
By infecting and destroying $T$-helper cells,$HIV$ severely compromises the body's immune system,making the individual susceptible to opportunistic infections.

(C) $AIDS$ is a disorder of the cell-mediated immune system of the body.
$HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the causative agent of $AIDS$.
Upon infection,the virus replicates and progressively destroys helper $T$-lymphocytes ($CD4^+$ cells).
When the count of these helper $T$-cells drops significantly,the body loses its ability to fight off infections and cancers,leading to the clinical manifestation of $AIDS$ symptoms.
Therefore,the correct stage is when $HIV$ damages a large number of helper $T$-lymphocytes.

(D) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is a syndrome caused by the retrovirus $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
The virus specifically targets and destroys a subgroup of lymphocytes known as helper $T$-cells (or $CD4$ lymphocytes).
This destruction leads to a severe suppression of the body's immune response.
$HIV$ is transmitted through infected blood,semen,and vaginal fluids.
The major routes of transmission include unprotected sexual intercourse,sharing of contaminated needles (common in intravenous drug abuse),and the administration of contaminated blood or blood products.
It is important to note that $HIV$ is not transmitted through casual contact like eating together.
While a combination of antiretroviral drugs can delay the progression of the disease for many years,there is currently no cure that can fully eradicate $AIDS$.

$(A)$ is correct because $AIDS$ $(Acquired \text{ } Immuno \text{ } Deficiency \text{ } Syndrome)$ is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$.
$R$ is correct because after entering the body, the $HIV$ virus enters into macrophages and helper $T$-lymphocytes ($CD4^+$ cells), where it replicates and progressively decreases their number, leading to severe immune deficiency.

(B) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the $HIV$ virus.
The $ELISA$ (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) test is the standard diagnostic test used for the detection of $AIDS$.
Widal test is used for typhoid fever,biopsy is used for cancer detection,and radiography is used for imaging internal body structures.

(B) The human immunodeficiency virus $(HIV)$ is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system.
Specifically,it targets and destroys $T$-helper lymphocytes ($CD4^+$ cells).
As the infection progresses,the number of $T$-lymphocytes decreases significantly,leading to a weakened immune system.
Therefore,the statement that $T$-lymphocytes increase in number is incorrect.
Viral $DNA$ is indeed synthesized from viral $RNA$ using the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
$ELISA$ (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is the standard diagnostic test for $AIDS$.
Patients with $AIDS$ often experience symptoms like persistent fever,diarrhea,and weight loss due to opportunistic infections.

(B) $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus.
Retroviruses contain $RNA$ as their genetic material.
Upon entering the host cell,the enzyme $Reverse \ transcriptase$ catalyzes the synthesis of $DNA$ from the viral $RNA$ template.
This process is known as reverse transcription,which allows the viral genetic material to integrate into the host cell's genome.

(D) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the $HIV$ virus,which is a retrovirus.
Currently,there is no complete cure for $AIDS$.
Anti-retroviral drugs (like $AZT$) can only partially control the viral replication and prolong the life of the patient,but they cannot eliminate the virus completely or cure the disease.
Surgery and radiation therapy are not treatments for $AIDS$.
Therefore,none of the given options correctly describe a complete cure for $AIDS$.

(B) $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can be transmitted from an infected mother to her fetus during pregnancy,childbirth,or breastfeeding.
During pregnancy,the virus crosses the placental barrier,which is the primary route for vertical transmission from mother to fetus.
The placenta acts as a bridge between the maternal and fetal blood circulation,allowing the virus to enter the fetal bloodstream.

(C) The mechanism of $HIV$ infection follows these steps:
$1.$ After entering the body,the virus first enters into macrophages $(4)$.
$2.$ Inside the macrophages,the viral $RNA$ genome replicates to form viral $DNA$ with the help of the enzyme reverse transcriptase $(1)$.
$3.$ This viral $DNA$ then gets incorporated into the host cell's $DNA$,directing the host cell to produce virus particles $(3)$.
$4.$ The macrophages continue to produce virus particles,and the progeny viruses released into the blood attack other $T_H$ cells and destroy them $(2)$.
Therefore,the correct sequence is $4 \rightarrow 1 \rightarrow 3 \rightarrow 2$.

(D) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the $HIV$ virus. It spreads through the following modes:
$1$. Sharing of infected needles or syringes used by an $HIV$ patient.
$2$. Transfusion of blood or blood products contaminated with $HIV$.
$3$. Vertical transmission from an $HIV$-infected mother to her child through the placenta during pregnancy or childbirth.
Therefore,all the given options are correct modes of transmission.

(A) $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus that contains $RNA$ as its genetic material enclosed within an envelope. Therefore,statement $A$ is correct.
$AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is a disease caused by the infection of $HIV$. Therefore,statement $R$ is correct.
Both statements are correct.

(B) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the $HIV$ virus.
It is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person,transfusion of contaminated blood,sharing of infected needles,or from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth.
$AIDS$ is $NOT$ spread through casual physical contact,such as shaking hands,hugging,or eating a meal together with an $AIDS$ patient.
Therefore,eating a meal with an $AIDS$ patient does not lead to the transmission of the virus.

(B) $PCR$ (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a highly sensitive molecular diagnostic technique.
It is routinely used to detect $HIV$ in suspected $AIDS$ patients by amplifying the viral $DNA$ or $RNA$ (after reverse transcription) present in the blood sample.
This allows for the detection of the virus even when its concentration is very low,making it an effective tool for early diagnosis.

(B) $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus.
It contains two identical strands of single-stranded $RNA$ as its genetic material.
It is enclosed within a protein coat (capsid) and an outer envelope derived from the host cell membrane.
Therefore,the correct option is $B$.

(D) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
$HIV$ is a retrovirus that specifically targets and infects helper $T$-lymphocytes ($CD4^+$ cells).
Once inside, the virus replicates, leading to a progressive decline in the count of helper $T$-cells, which severely weakens the immune system.
$HIV$ does not spread through casual contact like sharing food, and there is currently no $100\%$ cure for $AIDS$.

(D) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$.
To detect the presence of $HIV$ antibodies in a patient's blood,the $ELISA$ (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) test is widely used as a primary screening diagnostic method.
$WIDAL$ test is used for Typhoid fever,while $MRI$ and Ultrasound are imaging techniques not used for $HIV$ detection.

(C) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
$HIV$ primarily targets and infects helper $T$-lymphocytes ($CD4^+$ cells).
As the virus replicates,it leads to a progressive decline in the number of helper $T$-lymphocytes.
When the count of these cells drops significantly,the body's immune system becomes severely compromised,making the individual susceptible to opportunistic infections and cancers.
This stage of severe immune deficiency is clinically identified as $AIDS$.

(C) $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a member of a group of viruses called retroviruses.
It has an envelope enclosing the viral genome.
The genome of $HIV$ consists of two identical molecules of single-stranded $RNA$.
It also contains two molecules of the enzyme reverse transcriptase,which is essential for the replication of the viral genome within the host cell.
Therefore,option $C$ is the correct description.

(B) The human immunodeficiency virus $(HIV)$ is a retrovirus that belongs to the genus Lentivirus.
It consists of a protein coat (capsid) that encloses its genetic material.
The genetic material of $HIV$ is single-stranded $RNA$ $(ssRNA)$.
Upon entering the host cell,the viral $RNA$ is reverse-transcribed into $DNA$ by the enzyme reverse transcriptase,which then integrates into the host genome.

(A) Usually,a person shows symptoms of $HIV$ infection within $2$ to $6$ weeks of exposure to the virus.
But in some persons,the virus may remain silent for long periods (up to $10$ years) before symptoms of full-blown $AIDS$ are observable.
The symptoms of $HIV$ infection include fever,lethargy,pharyngitis,nausea,headache,rashes,etc.
Persons suffering from $AIDS$ have a weakened immune system due to the depletion of $T$-helper cells.
Such persons show opportunistic infections,i.e.,infections by those fungi,bacteria,and viruses to which a person with a normal immune system is expected to be resistant.
Therefore,persons prone to opportunistic infections may be suspected to be infected by $HIV$,particularly if the count of $T$-helper cells is $200/\,ml$ or lower.
Since the depletion of $T$-helper cells directly leads to a weakened immune system,which in turn makes the body susceptible to opportunistic infections,the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

(N/A) $(1)$ $HIV$ Antigen:
- Location: Found in the blood of a patient suffering from $AIDS$.
- Function: Detection of $HIV$ antibodies or antigens is used for the diagnosis of $AIDS$.
$(2)$ Amniotic bag (Amniotic sac):
- Location: Surrounds the developing embryo in the uterus.
- Function: It contains amniotic fluid,which protects the fetus from mechanical shock and allows for amniocentesis (a prenatal diagnostic test) to detect genetic disorders.

(N/A) $MALT -$ Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue
$(b)$ $CMI -$ Cell-Mediated Immunity
$(c)$ $AIDS -$ Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome
$(d)$ $NACO -$ National $AIDS$ Control Organization
$(e)$ $HIV -$ Human Immuno Deficiency Virus

(N/A) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$.
It has the following modes of transmission:
$1$. Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
$2$. Transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products.
$3$. Sharing of infected needles and syringes.
$4$. Transmission from an infected mother to her child through the placenta.

(B) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$ via sexual or blood-to-blood contact.
After entering the human body,the $HIV$ virus attacks and enters the macrophages.
Inside the macrophages,the $RNA$ of the virus replicates with the help of the enzyme reverse transcriptase and gives rise to viral $DNA$.
Then,this viral $DNA$ incorporates into the host $DNA$ and directs the synthesis of virus particles.
At the same time,$HIV$ enters helper $T$-lymphocytes.
It replicates and produces viral progeny there.
These newly formed progeny viruses are released into the blood,attacking other healthy helper $T$-lymphocytes in the body.
As a result,the number of helper $T$-lymphocytes in the body of an infected person decreases progressively,thereby severely weakening the person's immune system.

(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.

(N/A) The full form of $\rm {ELISA}$ is $\text{Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay}$.
It is primarily used for the detection of $\text{AIDS}$ (caused by $\text{HIV}$).
$\rm {ELISA}$ is based on the principle of antigen-antibody interaction.
Infection by a pathogen can be detected by the presence of antigens (proteins,glycoproteins,etc.) or by detecting the specific antibodies synthesized by the host immune system against the pathogen.

(N/A) $(i)$ $DNA$ stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. It is the primary hereditary material in most living organisms.
$(ii)$ $AIDS$ stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome. It is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$.

(N/A) $1$. $AIDS$ is not a contagious disease that spreads through casual contact like touching,hugging,or sharing meals.
$2$. The $HIV$ virus is transmitted only through specific routes: sexual contact with an infected person,transfusion of contaminated blood,sharing of infected needles,or from an infected mother to her child.
$3$. Isolating patients leads to psychological distress and social stigma,which can worsen their health condition.
$4$. Patients require emotional support,care,and empathy from their family and society to maintain their mental well-being and improve their quality of life.

(N/A) $1.$ $\text{HIV}$: $\text{Human Immunodeficiency Virus}$
$2.$ $\text{ELISA}$: $\text{Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay}$
$3.$ $\text{NACO}$: $\text{National AIDS Control Organisation}$