AIDS and HIV Infection

Frequent infections indicate weakened immune defense.

Antiretroviral drugs reduce viral load.

Weak immunity permits unusual infections.

Viral DNA integrates into host chromosomes.

Blood exposure greatly increases risk.

Barrier protection lowers exposure risk.

Chronic infection often causes weight loss.

HIV does not survive long outside hosts.

Antibody tests help identify infection.

Handshakes and casual contact do not spread HIV.

HIV attaches mainly to CD4 receptors.

Fewer helper T cells weaken defense mechanisms.

Chronic diarrhea commonly occurs in advanced HIV infection.

HIV contains two copies of ssRNA.

HIV does not replicate in mosquitoes.

Screening prevents contaminated blood use.

Reduced immunity allows infections to develop.

AIDS results from HIV infection.

HIV relies on host cells for reproduction.