Table of Contents
What organisms are affected by AIDS?
HIV infects immune system cells which have a CD4 receptor on the surface. These cells include T-lymphocytes (also known as t cells), monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. The CD4 receptor is used by the cell to signal to other parts of the immune system the presence of antigens.
What group is most affected by AIDS?
Men Who Have Sex with Men Gay or bisexual MSM are the most severely affected population. MSM account for just a small fraction (2 percent) of the total U.S. population, yet nearly two-thirds of all new infections occurred within this group in 2009, and one-half of all people living with HIV in 2008 were MSM.
What type of cells does AIDS destroy?
HIV infects and destroys certain white blood cells called CD4+ cells. If too many CD4+ cells are destroyed, the body can no longer defend itself against infection. The last stage of HIV infection is AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
What kind of microorganism causes AIDS in humans?
AIDS is caused by HIV – the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It belongs to a group of RNA retroviruses, which is why treatments for HIV involve drugs that disrupt their replication and progression.
How does HIV affect the immune system in the body?
HIV attacks a specific type of immune system cell in the body. It’s known as the CD4 helper cell or T cell. When HIV destroys this cell, it becomes harder for the body to fight off other infections. When HIV is left untreated, even a minor infection such as a cold can be much more severe.
What kind of diseases can you get if you have HIV?
HIV increases the risk of colds, influenza, and pneumonia. Without preventive treatment for HIV, advanced treatment puts you at an even greater risk for complications like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and a disease called pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP).
How is HIV spread in the human body?
HIV is a virus spread through certain body fluids that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, often called T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease.