Pedro was diagnosed as HIV positive. How would you explain to him how HIV affects the immune system and why it is challenging to procure a vaccine agaist HIV?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
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Pedro was diagnosed as HIV positive. How would you explain to him how HIV affects the immune system and why it is challenging to procure a vaccine agaist HIV?

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Step 1

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It attacks and harms the body's immune system. It has 4 different stages. If HIV infection is left untreated it can lead to the last stage of HIV termed AIDS( Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

Step 2

HIV gradually weakens the body's immune system. HIV targets the white blood cells known as CD4 T cells which are responsible for protecting people from infections. The virus attaches itself to these cells and then merges with them. After getting inside the T cells the virus multiplies. It destroys the cell and then moves and targets the other cells. 

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