Taking a Look at HIV - 651 Words

Physiological Basis To be a retrovirus is not the same as a virus. HIV is a retrovirus and it is classified as this because HIV’s genetic information is being enclosed by RNA instead of DNA. HIV targets a specific cell within the immune system and those are the T cells or also known as CD4+ cells. HIV causes immune dysfunction by destroying these cells. HIV contains a glycoprotein, called gp120 that is vital for the virus to enter the T cell. It attaches to the surface, called the CD4+. As it attaches, the retrovirus’ membrane fuses to the lymphocyte cell membrane, therefore gaining entry into the cell. Once an entry is initiated and completed, HIV has the ability to replicate into thousands of copies of itself by using the host cells resources and the RNA. The RNA, which is two stranded, converts into DNA through an enzyme titled reverse transcriptase. When the DNA is set within the host’s genome, it allows replication to occur. Furthermore, the new viral copies are made and the host cell ruptures and dies. As a result, the multiple viruses are released and continue to infect more of the T cells, weakening the immune system. The normal count of T cells is about 800-1200 cells/mm3. For a while, T cells can be initially replaced, but HIV infection is a slowly progressive disease and soon enough the body becomes exhausted, leading to a decline in T-cell count. There are several prevention measures that can be taken in order to avoid getting HIV. Those includeShow MoreRelatedHiv / Aids : Hiv And Aids1532 Words   |  7 PagesHIV/AIDS What is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)? AIDS is the disease that an individual with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) has a chance of getting when their immune system becomes so damaged, opening up the body to many different illnesses. 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This disease destroys CD4+ T cells, which are essential in helping the body fight disease (CDC, 2003). HIV can also invade the central nervous system which can cause severe neurological problems. AIDS was first reported in the United States in 1981, and since 1981 over 750,000Read MoreThe Intervention Of Safe Sex And Less Drug Use1411 Words   |  6 Pageseffective enough. From previous research it was stated that â€Å"after the intervention, the amount of protected sexual acts increased for all partners (and especially HIV-negative partners) among participants who received the in-person intervention. Also participants who received the in-person intervention had a larger decrease in the number of HIV-negative partners than did those in the control group (â€Å"Procedural G uide†)†. Unfortunately, I was not able to get an interview with any of the participants because