Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Definition

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that targets and weakens the immune system by infecting CD4+ T cells. It can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) if untreated.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. HIV primarily infects CD4+ T cells, leading to their depletion and weakening the immune system.
2. HIV is transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding.
3. The virus uses reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA into DNA, integrating into the host genome.
4. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can manage HIV infection by reducing viral load, but it is not a cure.
5. Without treatment, HIV progresses to AIDS, characterized by opportunistic infections and cancers.

Review Questions

• What type of cells does HIV primarily target and infect?
• How is HIV transmitted from person to person?
• What role does reverse transcriptase play in the life cycle of HIV?

Related terms

CD4+ T Cells: Immune cells targeted and depleted by HIV infection.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Treatment regimen used to manage HIV infection and reduce viral load.

Opportunistic Infections: Infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS.