Question

Describe AIDS disease on the basis of following points -
i) Name of pathogen
ii) Test of confirmation of disease
iii) Main symptoms of disease
iv) Ways of prevention
v) Diagram of replication of retrovirus.

Answer 1

AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome. It is a deficiency of immune system, acquired during the lifetime of an individual indicating that it is not a congenital disease.

• Name of pathogen: AIDS is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus belongs to a group of virus called Retrovirus which have an envelope consisting of a lipid bilayer derived from host cell membrane and projecting knob like glycoprotein spikes with pedicle formed of a virus-coded glycoprotein. This envelope encloses the RNA genome.
• Test of confirmation of disease: A widely used diagnostic test for AIDS is Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA). The western blotting test is employed for confirmation of ELISA positive cases.
• Main symptoms of the disease: There is always a time lag between the infection by HIV virus and appearance of AIDS symptoms. This period may vary from a few months to many years (usually 5-10 years). The infected person suffers from fever, diarrhoea and weight loss. A patient becomes so immunodeficient that he/she is unable to protect himself/herself against these infections.
• Ways of prevention: As AIDS has no cure, prevention is the best option. The following steps may help in preventing the AIDS:

1. Proper blood testing to make blood safe from HIV.
2. Ensuring the use of only disposable needles and syringes in public/private hospitals and clinics.
3. Free distribution of condoms and advocating safe sex.
4. Controlling drug abuse.
5. Promoting regular checkup for HIV in the susceptible population.
6. People should be educated about AIDS.