Question

Which among the following cells does HIV attack first?

• A. Leucocytes
• B. Thrombocytes
• C. B-lymphocytes
• D. T-lymphocytes

Answer 1

The correct option is D T-lymphocytes

HIV starts destroying T-lymphocytes, specifically the T-helper cells. Viruses generally lack the ability to replicate by themselves, outside a host cell. Therefore HIVs attack the macrophages in the body, replicate within them and get released without disintegrating the macrophages. Then the released viruses attack the T helper cells. They replicate inside these cells and are released by disintegrating the cells. Many years after the infection sets in, the infected T_H cells start dying more quickly than they can be replaced and thus, immunity is severely compromised.