What does HIV do to the immune system?

What does HIV do to the immune system?

• A. Strengthens immune response.
• B. Has no effect on the immune system.
• C. Weakens the immune system so the body cannot effectively fight infections.
• D. Causes immediate liver failure.

Answer: (C)

HIV primarily targets the immune system by infecting CD4-positive T cells, the soldiers that coordinate the body's defense. As the virus replicates and destroys these cells, the number of functional helper T cells falls, weakening the body's ability to mount a strong immune response. With fewer CD4 cells, the body becomes more vulnerable to infections and certain cancers that a healthy immune system would usually control. This is why HIV leads to immunodeficiency over time, potentially progressing to AIDS if untreated. The virus doesn’t strengthen immunity, has a real impact on immune function, and does not directly cause immediate liver failure (liver issues can occur for other reasons but aren’t the defining effect).

HIV primarily targets the immune system by infecting CD4-positive T cells, the soldiers that coordinate the body's defense. As the virus replicates and destroys these cells, the number of functional helper T cells falls, weakening the body's ability to mount a strong immune response. With fewer CD4 cells, the body becomes more vulnerable to infections and certain cancers that a healthy immune system would usually control. This is why HIV leads to immunodeficiency over time, potentially progressing to AIDS if untreated. The virus doesn’t strengthen immunity, has a real impact on immune function, and does not directly cause immediate liver failure (liver issues can occur for other reasons but aren’t the defining effect).