Question

Given below is the relationship between the HIV levels in the blood and helper T cell count in a person detected with AIDS. Study the relationship and answer the questions that follow.

1. What kind of relationship is observed in the virus levels and the immune response after some days of the initial infection?
2. Does it completely clear the virus from the body permanently? Give reason for your answer.

Answer 1

1. As the adaptive immune response gears up, there is a reciprocal relationship between virus levels in the blood and helper T lymphocyte levels. As the level of helper T levels rises, the virus levels decline.
2. Several years later, if untreated, the HIV patient will lose the adaptive immune response, including the ability to make antibodies, as gradually the HIV enters the helper T lymphocytes, leading to a progressive decrease in the number of helper T lymphocytes.