Question

A woman was tested positive for AIDS. Name the pathogen that infected her. How does this pathogen weaken her immune system? Explain.

Answer 1

The pathogen that infects her is the Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It causes destruction of the T helper cells that are responsible for activation of the B cells and generation of immune response to infection by any other pathogen. Destruction of these cells thereby causes the immune system to be suppressed and hence the person becomes susceptible to infection by other pathogens (and thereby other diseases) easily.