The Biology Behind HIV and AIDS-Shriya Dhar

Human Immunological Disorder Virus, otherwise called HIV, is a virus that has been widely represented in social, political, and media-related scenarios, however, is typically misunderstood. Understanding the science behind HIV/AIDS is crucial for combating the stigma around these diseases.

How does a person get HIV?

To contract HIV, the virus should enter the blood - and it’s typically transmitted from infected bodily fluids like blood, semen, epithelial duct fluids, sharing of drug equipment, or breast milk of a mother who has HIV.

How does HIV affect the body?

Once within the blood, HIV targets a range of cells, however most specifically the T-helper cells (CD4), that is a type of white somatic cell that plays a vital role in our immune system and fighting infections. The outer envelope of HIV is roofed with glycoproteins that change often, ultimately tricking the T-cell receptors to not acknowledge the virus. Once hooked up to specific proteins on the T-cell, it begins to fuse the membranes, and eventually enters the cell wherever it releases a pair of infective agent polymer strands and three essential replication enzymes. Because HIV may be an animal virus, the polymer is transcribed into the DNA.

This DNA is then integrated into the host cell’s order. This makes the T-cells treat the infective agent genes like their own, which causes them to create additional copies of the virus. These then leave the host cell and mature, ultimately seeking additional T-cells. The virus is especially tough to treat because of its exceptionally high mutation rate. Overall, the replication method creates around ten billion new virions day after day.

During these initial stages of replication, referred to as the ‘latency phase,’ an individual might not show any major symptoms for up to eight years. If not treated, the HIV eventually kills off the specific T-cells it infects. Once these T-Cells fall below two hundred cells per cubic millimeter of blood, it becomes the nonheritable Immune Deficiency Syndrome, popularly known as AIDS.

After progressing this way, the system becomes suppressed and is at additional risk of cancers and expedient infections like respiratory illnesses.

An individual does not die from AIDS they generally die from associated diseases/unhealthiness that the body couldn't obviate.

However, being HIV+ is far from a death sentence. The fact that there is no current cure for HIV should not discount the profoundly progressive strides the medical community has taken in creating treatments like ART (antiretroviral therapy), and preventative medicines as well as conducting research that attempts to improve the lives of those currently living with HIV and AIDS.