At which stage of HIV infection does on usually show symptoms of AIDS?
A
When HIV replicates rapidly in helper T-lymphocytes and damage large number of these
B
When the infecting retrovirus enters host cells
C
When vital DNA is produced by reverse transcriptase
D
Within $$15$$ days of sexual contact with an infected person
Correct option is C. When HIV replicates rapidly in helper T-lymphocytes and damage large number of these
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
- There are three stages in the development of AIDS.
- The first stage is 'acute HIV infection' which is the earliest stage of HIV and develops within 2-4 weeks after a person is infected with HIV and here people have flu-like symptoms.
- The second stage is 'chronic HIV infection' where HIV continues to multiply in the body but at very low levels.
- The last and final stage of HIV infection is AIDS. AIDS is diagnosed when a person with HIV has a T lymphocytes count of fewer than 200 cells/cubic mm and/or one or more opportunistic infections.
- HIV uses the machinery of these T lymphocytes for replication and destroys them rapidly.