Human Immune Deficiency Essay

Human Immune Deficiency means to lack the defense mechanisms necessary to fight against simple viruses like the common cold. The virus attacks the helper T cells in the body and prevents them from simulating B cells to secrete antibodies. It also prevents helper T cells from activating CD8 cells that are cytotoxic T cells which are antiviral cells. (van Baarle et al) HIV carries single-stranded RNA that, when coupled with reverse transcriptase, creates HIV DNA. When HIV enters the body, it attaches and fuses with the host cell. After the RNA is converted to DNA, it uses the host cell’s components to replicate the virus over and over again. Mature copies leave the cell and go on to infect other cells. (ipmgglobal.org) Over time, the number of helper T cell is reduced and makes the human body more susceptible to simple viruses and cancer-related illnesses. (van Baarle et al) This disease is most widely spread via sexual contact from …show more content…
But scientists have discovered that there are three stages to the HIV/AIDS: acute, HIV inactivity/latency, and AIDS. Acute illness shows up within two to four weeks and can be described as flu-like symptoms. This is why the doctors in 1980 thought that those men had the flu. In the first few weeks, those who are infected have a large amount of virus their bodies and are highly contagious. The second stage consists of HIV dormancy in which the virus is making low levels of the virus but is still active. At this time, some people don’t have any of the symptoms, so this period can last for decades. As the viral counts start to rise in the body, the person goes into stage three. Stage three is full blown AIDS and consists of severely weakened immune systems. (cdc.gov) These people are more susceptible to opportunistic illnesses linked to HIV like PCP (a type of pneumonia), cryptococcal meningitis, and certain cancers like Kaposi’ sarcoma.