The correct option is A When HIV damages large number of helper T-lymphocytes
AIDS
AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV infects and destroys helper T-lymphocytes and macrophages in the human body which weakens the immune system.
Stages of HIV infection
Three stages of HIV infection are as follows:
1. Acute HIV infection
2. Chronic HIV infection
3. AIDS
Acute HIV infection
Acute HIV infection is the earliest stage of HIV infection. This develops within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV. Common symptoms include fever, headache, and rashes. Hence the statements in option (A), (C), and (D are applicable to acute HIV infection.
Chronic HIV infection
In the chronic HIV infection stage the virus continues to multiply in the body at very low levels. Infected person may not have any HIV-related symptoms. This stage can last for 10 years or longer.
AIDS
AIDS is the final and most severe stage of HIV infection. This occurs when considerably high numbers of helper T cells are damaged. The infected person starts getting serious opportunistic infections with additional symptoms such as rapid loss of weight, fever, chronic diarrhoea, persistent cough, etc. People with HIV are diagnosed with AIDS in this stage.