Question

The AIDS virus destroys section Helper T Cells of the third line of defense.
Explain why AIDS victims usually die from other opportunistic diseases and not the actual virus itself.

Answer 1

Dear student,

AIDS is caused by the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) which basically damages and kills the cells of the body's immune system. The virus is a retrovirus which multiplies, infects and kills the immune cells, majorly the T-cells of the body. The virus has the ability to hide within infected cells and can lie dormant for a longer period of time. A subtype of T-cells called CD4+ T-cells are the key infection fighters of the body, which are attacked by the HIV. This decline makes the patient susceptive to all the other opportunistic pathogens and thus progressively destroys the patient's ability to fight infections and some highly dangerous diseases including cancers. This becomes fatal for the person and leads to his/her death.

Regards.