Human Health and Diseases Question 96

96. At which stage of HIV infection does one usually show symptoms of AIDS:-

[2014]

(a) Within 15 days of sexual contact with an infected person.

(b) When the infected retro virus enters host cells.

(c) When HIV damages large number of helper T-Lymphocytes.

(d) When the viral DNA is produced by reverse transcriptase.

Show Answer

Answer : c

Hints & Solutions

(c) HIV infection does usually show symptoms of AIDS When HIV damages large number of helper T-Lymphocytes (CD4 cells). AIDS is the stage of HIV infection that occurs when one immune system is badly damaged and one become vulnerable to infections and infection-related cancers called opportunistic infections. When the number of ones CD4 cells falls below 200 cells per cubic millimetre of blood ( 200 cells $/ mm 3$ ), one is considered to have progressed to AIDS.