Question

Describe the life cycle of HIV from the time of its entry into the human body till full blown AIDS sets in.

Answer 1

Concise life cycle of HIV leading to AIDS:

1. After entering the body, the virus enters macrophages, where the virus's RNA genome replicates to create viral DNA transcriptase with the help of the reverse enzyme.
2. This viral DNA is incorporated into the host cell's DNA, causing the infected cells to create virus particles. The macrophages continue to create viruses, acting like an HIV factory.
3. Simultaneously, HIV penetrates helper T cells (TH), multiplies, and produces offspring viruses. The offspring viruses that emerge in the blood assault other helper T lymphocytes. This is done multiple times, resulting in a gradual decline in the number of helper T lymphocytes in the infected person's body.
4. During this time, the person experiences fevers, diarrhoea, and weight loss. As the number of helper T cells decreases, the person becomes susceptible to diseases that could have been avoided, such as those caused by bacteria, particularly Mycobacterium, viruses, fungi, and even parasites such as Toxoplasma. The patient's immune system deteriorates to the point that he or she is unable to protect themselves from these illnesses.