AIDS Questions in English

(N/A) The patient is suffering from Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome $(AIDS)$.
$(b)$ The causative agent is Human Immuno deficiency Virus $(HIV)$.
$(c)$ The pathogen specifically targets and affects Helper $T$-lymphocytes ($TH$ or $T4$ cells).

(N/A) The patient is suffering from $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome).
Anti Retroviral Therapy $(ART)$ is specifically used to manage $HIV$ infections.
The causative organism for $AIDS$ is $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

(N/A) : Viral $DNA$ is produced by reverse transcriptase.
$(B)$: New viral $RNA$ is produced by the infected cell.
$(b)$ $A$ virus is called a retrovirus because it possesses the enzyme reverse transcriptase,which allows it to synthesize $DNA$ from an $RNA$ template through a process known as reverse transcription.
$(c)$ Yes,the infected cell can continue to survive and function while the viruses are being replicated and released from it.

(N/A) $PMNL$ stands for Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes,which are a type of white blood cell characterized by a multi-lobed nucleus.
$ARC$ stands for $AIDS$-Related Complex,which refers to a clinical condition that is less severe than full-blown $AIDS$ but involves symptoms related to $HIV$ infection.

(C) The $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus that contains $RNA$ as its genetic material.
Retroviruses possess the enzyme reverse transcriptase,which is highly error-prone during the process of reverse transcription.
This lack of proofreading activity leads to a very high rate of mutation,allowing the virus to evolve rapidly and evade the host's immune system.
Therefore,$HIV$ is known for its rapid mutation rate compared to the other options listed.

(B) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$.
$HIV$ belongs to a group of viruses called Retroviruses.
Retroviruses are characterized by having an $RNA$ genome that is reverse-transcribed into $DNA$ inside the host cell using the enzyme reverse transcriptase.

(C) $AIDS$ stands for $Acquired \text{ } Immuno \text{ } Deficiency \text{ } Syndrome$.
It is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the $Human \text{ } Immunodeficiency \text{ } Virus$ $(HIV)$.
$HIV$ damages the immune system by destroying $CD4$ cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections and diseases.

(B) Congenital diseases are those that are present from birth,often due to genetic factors or developmental issues.
$AIDS$ (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is an acquired disease caused by the $HIV$ virus,which is transmitted after birth through specific routes like sexual contact,blood transfusion,or from mother to child during childbirth.
Therefore,$AIDS$ is not a congenital disease.

(B) The $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) belongs to the group of viruses known as retroviruses.
Retroviruses are characterized by having $RNA$ as their genetic material.
Specifically,the $HIV$ genome consists of two identical strands of single-stranded $RNA$ $(ssRNA)$.
Therefore,the correct answer is two copies of $ssRNA$.

(B) The $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) envelope contains two major glycoproteins: $GP\; 120$ and $GP\; 41$.
$GP\; 120$ is the surface glycoprotein that forms the outer spikes and is responsible for binding to the $CD4$ receptors on host cells.
$GP\; 41$ is the transmembrane glycoprotein that anchors $GP\; 120$ to the viral envelope and facilitates the fusion of the viral membrane with the host cell membrane.
Since $GP\; 120$ is the outermost component that interacts with the host cell,it is considered the outermost glycoprotein.

(C) The $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) core contains the viral genome (two strands of $RNA$) and essential enzymes required for its replication cycle.
These enzymes are:
$1$. Reverse transcriptase: Converts viral $RNA$ into $DNA$.
$2$. Integrase: Integrates the viral $DNA$ into the host cell's genome.
$3$. Protease: Cleaves viral polyproteins into functional proteins.
Therefore,there are $3$ types of enzymes present in the core of the $HIV$ virus.

(D) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the $HIV$ virus.
For the diagnosis of $AIDS$,$ELISA$ (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is used as a primary screening test.
If the $ELISA$ test is positive,a confirmatory test called $Western Blot$ $(WB)$ is performed to confirm the presence of $HIV$ antibodies.
Therefore,both $ELISA$ and $Western Blot$ are used in the diagnostic process for $AIDS$.

(A) After entering the human body,the $HIV$ virus first enters macrophages,where the viral $RNA$ genome replicates to form viral $DNA$ with the help of the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
Macrophages continue to produce virus particles and thus act as an $HIV$ factory.
Simultaneously,$HIV$ enters helper $T$-lymphocytes ($T_H$ cells),replicates,and produces progeny viruses.
The progeny viruses released into the blood attack other helper $T$-lymphocytes.
This leads to a progressive decrease in the number of helper $T$-lymphocytes in the body of the infected person.

(D) After entering the human body,the $HIV$ virus enters into macrophages.
In the macrophages,the viral $RNA$ genome replicates to form viral $DNA$ with the help of the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
This viral $DNA$ gets incorporated into the host cell's $DNA$ and directs the infected cells to produce virus particles.
Thus,macrophages continue to produce the virus and act like an $HIV$ factory.
Later,the virus enters helper $T$-lymphocytes ($T_H$ cells),replicates,and produces progeny viruses,which are released into the blood,attacking other helper $T$-lymphocytes.

(B) The $HIV$ virus is a retrovirus that contains $RNA$ as its genetic material.
Upon entering the host cell (specifically helper $T$-lymphocytes), the viral $RNA$ is converted into $DNA$ by the enzyme $Reverse \text{ } Transcriptase$ in the cytoplasm.
This newly formed viral $DNA$ then enters the host cell nucleus and integrates into the host genome with the help of the enzyme $Integrase$.
Therefore, the conversion of $RNA$ to $DNA$ occurs in the cytoplasm via $Reverse \text{ } Transcriptase$.

(A) $NACO$ stands for National $AIDS$ Control Organization. It is a division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that provides leadership to $HIV$/$AIDS$ control programmes in India.

(B) World $AIDS$ Day is observed globally on $1$ December every year. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the $AIDS$ pandemic caused by the spread of $HIV$ infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.

(B) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the $HIV$ virus,which attacks and destroys helper $T$-lymphocytes. As the immune system becomes severely compromised,the patient becomes susceptible to various opportunistic infections. These include $Tuberculosis$ (caused by Mycobacterium),$Pneumonia$ (often caused by Pneumocystis carinii),and fungal infections like $Candidiasis$. Therefore,all these diseases are likely to occur in a patient with full-blown $AIDS$.

(B) Let us evaluate each statement:
$(a)$ Incorrect: $AIDS$ is not transmitted by using the belongings of an infected person (e.g.,clothes,utensils).
$(b)$ Correct: $AIDS$ can be transmitted through infected organ transplantation.
$(c)$ Correct: $AIDS$ can be transmitted through the transfusion of infected blood.
$(d)$ Correct: $AIDS$ can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child through the placenta.
$(e)$ Incorrect: $AIDS$ is not a droplet infection; it is not spread by sneezing or coughing.
$(f)$ Correct: $AIDS$ can be transmitted from an infected breastfeeding mother to her child.
$(g)$ Incorrect: $AIDS$ is not transmitted through the saliva of a patient.
Therefore,the correct statements are $(b)$,$(c)$,$(d)$,and $(f)$.
Total number of correct statements = $4$.

(C) $1$. After the viral $RNA$ enters the host cell,it is converted into viral $DNA$ by the enzyme $Reverse\, transcriptase$.
$2$. The enzyme $Integrase$ then facilitates the integration of this newly formed viral $DNA$ into the host cell's genome $(DNA)$.
$3$. Once integrated,the viral $DNA$ uses the host's machinery to replicate and produce more viral particles.
$4$. Therefore,the correct enzyme responsible for the integration process is $Integrase$.

(D) The $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) virus,$HIV$,attacks the immune system,specifically $T-helper$ cells.
As the immune system weakens,the patient becomes susceptible to various infections and exhibits several characteristic symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
$1$. Persistent fever lasting for months.
$2$. Significant weight loss.
$3$. Chronic diarrhea.
Since all these symptoms are associated with $AIDS$,the correct option is $D$.

(C) In a healthy human, the normal count of $CD_4$ $T$-lymphocytes typically ranges between $500$ and $1500$ cells per microliter $(\mu L)$ of blood.
Since $1 \mu L = 10^{-6} \text{liters}$, $1 \text{liter} = 10^{6} \mu L$.
Therefore, the count per liter is approximately $500 \times 10^{6}$ to $1500 \times 10^{6}$ cells per liter.
Among the given options, the value representing a healthy range is $ > 900 \times 10^{6} / \text{lit.}$ (which is equivalent to $900$ cells per $\mu L$).

(A) $ELISA$ (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is a widely used diagnostic test for $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome).
$Western Blot$ is a confirmatory test for $HIV$ infection, not for cancer.
$Mantoux$ test is used for the diagnosis of $Tuberculosis$, not $Typhoid$.
$HBV$ (Hepatitis $B$ Virus) vaccine is a first-generation vaccine, but the statement format is less specific compared to the diagnostic test $ELISA$ for $AIDS$. Therefore, $ELISA - AIDS$ is the most standard and correct diagnostic association.

(B) $HAART$ stands for $Highly$ $Active$ $Anti-Retroviral$ $Therapy$.
It is a combination of several antiretroviral medicines used to slow the rate at which $HIV$ makes copies of itself in the body.
By reducing the viral load,it helps the immune system recover and prevents the progression of $HIV$ to $AIDS$.

(B) The drugs used to treat $AIDS$ are called antiretroviral drugs. These drugs inhibit the replication of the $HIV$ virus.
Among the given list:
$1$. Stavudine: Antiretroviral (Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor).
$2$. Zidovudine: Antiretroviral (Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor).
$3$. Raltegravir: Antiretroviral (Integrase Inhibitor).
$4$. Ritonavir: Antiretroviral (Protease Inhibitor).
Chloramphenicol,streptomycin,azithromycin,and penicillin are antibiotics used for bacterial infections,not for $AIDS$.
Therefore,there are $4$ drugs (Stavudine,Zidovudine,Raltegravir,and Ritonavir) that can be used to treat $AIDS$.

(B) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$.
$HIV$ specifically targets and infects $CD_4^+$ $T$-helper lymphocytes.
As the infection progresses,the number of these $CD_4^+$ cells significantly decreases.
$A$ $CD_4$ count of less than $200 \times 10^{6}$ cells/$L$ (or $200$ cells/mm$^3$) is a clinical marker used to define the progression of $HIV$ infection to the stage of $AIDS$.

(C) World $AIDS$ Day is observed globally on $1$st December to raise awareness about the $AIDS$ pandemic caused by the spread of $HIV$ infection.
World Earth Day is celebrated annually on $22$nd April to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
Therefore,the correct sequence is $1$st December and $22$nd April.

(D) Hepatitis-$B$ and $HIV$ (the virus that causes $AIDS$) share similar modes of transmission. Both can be transmitted through the sharing of contaminated needles,the transfusion of infected blood or blood products,and from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy,childbirth,or breastfeeding. Therefore,all the listed options are correct.

(C) $NACO$ stands for National $AIDS$ Control Organisation. It was established in $1992$ by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India to oversee the $AIDS$ control programme.

(B) $AIDS$ Day is observed globally on $1^{st} \; December$ every year to raise awareness about the $AIDS$ pandemic caused by the spread of $HIV$ infection.
$7^{th} \; April$ is celebrated as World Health Day.
$11^{th} \; July$ is celebrated as World Population Day.
$1^{st} \; July$ is celebrated as National Doctor's Day.

(A) $AIDS$ is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$.
$HIV$ primarily targets and infects $T_{h}$ cells (Helper $T$ cells),which possess $CD_{4}$ receptors on their surface.
Upon entry,the virus uses these $CD_{4}$ receptors to attach to and enter the host cell via receptor-mediated endocytosis.
As the infection progresses,the number of $CD_{4}$ cells decreases significantly,leading to a weakened immune system.

(D) Transmission of $HIV$ infection generally occurs through:
$1$. Sexual contact with an infected person.
$2$. Transfusion of contaminated blood and blood products.
$3$. Sharing infected needles,as seen in intravenous drug abusers.
$4$. From an infected mother to her child through the placenta.
Therefore,all the given statements are correct.

(B) World $AIDS$ Day is observed globally on $1^{st}$ December every year.
This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the $AIDS$ pandemic caused by the spread of $HIV$ infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.

(D) $HIV$ is not transmitted through casual contact like hugging,sharing food,or using public toilets. It is transmitted through the exchange of specific bodily fluids. The primary modes of transmission include:
$1$. Sharing contaminated needles or syringes.
$2$. Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person (exchange of semen or vaginal secretions).
$3$. Transfusion of infected blood or blood products.
$4$. From an infected mother to her child during pregnancy,childbirth,or breastfeeding.

(D) The diagnosis of $AIDS$ typically involves two main tests: $ELISA$ (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and the Western blot test.
$ELISA$ is used as a primary screening test to detect $HIV$ antibodies.
Western blot is a more specific confirmatory test used to verify the presence of $HIV$ infection.

(B) Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$ is the causative agent of $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome).
It is a retrovirus belonging to the family $Retroviridae$.
The core of $HIV$ contains two identical molecules of single-stranded $RNA$ as its genetic material,along with the enzyme reverse transcriptase.

(D) The World Health Organization $(WHO)$ has initiated several programs to prevent the spread of $HIV$ infection. These include:
$1.$ Ensuring that blood from blood banks is screened and safe from $HIV$.
$2.$ Ensuring the use of only disposable needles and syringes in public and private hospitals.
$3.$ Free distribution of condoms to promote safe sexual practices.
$4.$ Controlling drug abuse to prevent transmission through shared needles.
$5.$ Advocating for safe sex and promoting regular medical check-ups for $HIV$ detection.
Since all the listed steps ($I, II, III,$ and $IV$) are part of the preventive measures adopted by the $WHO$,the correct option is $D$.

(A) The replication cycle of a retrovirus involves the following steps:
$A-$ The virus shown is a Retrovirus.
$B-$ Once the viral $RNA$ enters the host cell,the enzyme reverse transcriptase synthesizes viral $DNA$ from the viral $RNA$.
$C-$ The viral $DNA$ incorporates into the host genome,which then directs the host cell to produce new viral $RNA$ and proteins,leading to the production of new viruses.
Therefore,the correct labels are: $A-$Retrovirus,$B-$Viral $DNA$ is produced,$C-$New viral $RNA$ is produced by the infected cell.

(C) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
$HIV$ selectively infects and kills helper $T-$lymphocytes ($CD4^+$ cells),not $B-$lymphocytes.
As the number of helper $T-$lymphocytes decreases,the body's immune system breaks down,making the individual susceptible to various infections.
Therefore,the statement that $HIV$ infects $B-$lymphocytes is incorrect.

(D) In $AIDS$ patients,the number of helper $T$-lymphocytes progressively decreases in the body.
With the decrease in the number of $T$-cells,the immune system is severely compromised.
Due to this,the person is unable to produce immunity even against common bacteria like $Mycobacterium$,parasites like $Toxoplasma$,viruses,and fungi.
National $AIDS$ Control Organisation $(NACO)$,established in $1991$,and other Non-Governmental Organizations $(NGOs)$ are actively working to educate people about $AIDS$ and its prevention.
Therefore,all three statements are correct.

(C) $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus that contains $RNA$ as its genetic material. It uses the enzyme reverse transcriptase to synthesize $DNA$ from its $RNA$ template inside the host cell.

(C) $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) primarily targets and infects $T$-helper lymphocytes (also known as $CD4^+$ cells).
Once inside these cells,the virus replicates,leading to the destruction of the $T$-lymphocytes.
As the count of $T$-lymphocytes decreases significantly,the body's cell-mediated immunity is severely compromised.
This reduction in immune function makes the individual highly susceptible to opportunistic infections caused by various pathogens such as bacteria,viruses,fungi,and parasites.

(D) $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus $(HIV)$.
It is a communicable disease that spreads through the following modes:
$1$. Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
$2$. Transfusion of blood or blood products contaminated with $HIV$.
$3$. Sharing of infected needles or syringes,especially among intravenous drug users.
$4$. From an infected mother to her child through the placenta.
Therefore,all the given options are correct modes of transmission.

(A) The Assertion is correct because,despite extensive research,no effective vaccine against $AIDS$ has been developed yet.
The Reason is also correct because $HIV$ is a retrovirus with a high mutation rate,particularly in its envelope proteins $(gp120)$.
This rapid mutation leads to the formation of numerous genetic subtypes and variants,which makes it extremely difficult for the immune system to recognize the virus and for scientists to design a universal vaccine that can provide long-term protection.
Therefore,the Reason correctly explains why the development of an $AIDS$ vaccine is challenging.

(A) $PCR$ (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a highly sensitive molecular diagnostic technique used to detect the presence of $HIV$ in suspected patients,even when the viral load is very low. It amplifies the viral $DNA$ or $RNA$,making it the most reliable test for early detection of $HIV$ infection.

(A) $PCR$ (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a highly sensitive molecular diagnostic technique. It helps to detect very low concentrations of bacteria or viruses even when the symptoms of the disease are not yet visible,by amplifying their nucleic acid sequences. Therefore,it is used to detect $HIV$ in suspected $AIDS$ patients during the asymptomatic stage.

(D) $PCR$ (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is the most effective diagnostic tool in this scenario.
It allows for the detection of very low concentrations of viral genetic material (nucleic acids) even before the symptoms of the disease become visible or before antibodies are produced in detectable amounts.
By amplifying the viral $DNA$/$RNA$,$PCR$ provides a highly sensitive and early confirmation of infection.

(D) The individuals at higher risk of getting $HIV$ infection include:
$1$. Individuals who have multiple sexual partners.
$2$. Drug addicts who take drugs intravenously by sharing needles.
$3$. Individuals who require repeated blood transfusions (e.g.,patients with thalassemia or hemophilia).
$4$. Children born to an $HIV$ infected mother.

(D) $HIV$ infection is diagnosed using several diagnostic techniques.
$1$. $ELISA$ (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is the most commonly used screening test for $HIV$.
$2$. Western Blot test is a confirmatory test used to verify positive $ELISA$ results.
$3$. $PCR$ (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test is used to detect the presence of viral genetic material $(RNA)$ in the blood.
Since all these methods are used for diagnosis,the correct answer is all of the above.

(N/A) $AIDS$ can be prevented by the following measures:
$1$. Using barriers (condoms) during sexual acts with suspected partners.
$2$. Restricting sexual activity to one faithful partner.
$3$. Providing education and awareness about $AIDS$ to the public.
$4$. Ensuring blood in blood banks is screened and safe from $HIV$.
$5$. Ensuring the use of only disposable needles and syringes in all hospitals and clinics.
$6$. Promoting the free distribution of condoms.
$7$. Controlling drug abuse,especially the use of intravenous drugs.
$8$. Advocating for safe sex practices and promoting regular $HIV$ check-ups for susceptible populations.