Question

Read the following statements with respect to AIDS.
I.AIDS results in a compromised immunity because HIV destroys the bone marrow of the patient.
II.There is a lot of social taboo associated with AIDS.
III.A child born to a HIV positive mother bears no risk of infection.
IV.The patient can be cured completely if proper medication and treatment is given.
Which of the above statements are incorrect?

• A. I and III
• B. I, III and IV
• C. II and IV
• D. only I

Answer 1

The correct option is B I, III and IV

AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is a syndrome (a group of symptoms) caused due to deficiency of immunity in the body.

HIV initially multiplies in the macrophages and helper T cells in the body and not the bone marrow resulting in compromised immunity which allows the growth of opportunistic microbes which would otherwise be unable to multiply in the body.

People are often under the impression that HIV can spread through touch, hugs, regular contact, eating together or normal proximity with patients. This results in alienation and harsh treatment of HIV positive patients. Many HIV positive individuals lose their jobs, are abandoned by their families or are shunned from society because of their condition.There is a lot of social taboo associated with HIV.

But HIV can spread only through the exchange of body fluids such as blood, lymph, saliva, semen, breast milk, vaginal fluid etc in the following ways -
Through sexual contact with the infected person.
By transfusion of blood or blood products from an infected to a healthy person.
From an infected mother to her child during pregnancy via placenta, child birth by coming in contact with the mother's body fluid or breast feeding. .
By use of unsterilised needles which have been used by a person infected with HIV.
Thus patients should not be alienated from friends and family due to fear of spread of the disease through contact or proximity. Instead for the physical and mental well-being of the AIDS patients, it is absolutely necessary that they are not isolated or judged.
A HIV positive mother can transfer the virus to the child
Thus statements I, III and IV are incorrect.