How can HIV infection weaken the immune system over time?
By damaging cells involved in the body's defence against disease.
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Biology — Foundation · 4.3.1.2
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How can HIV infection weaken the immune system over time?
By damaging cells involved in the body's defence against disease.
What is AIDS in relation to HIV infection?
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a possible later condition caused by severe immune damage from HIV. It makes a person especially vulnerable to other infections; it is not inevitable.
What four types of pathogen can cause communicable diseases in animals and plants?
Viruses, bacteria, protists and fungi.
What is pathogen transmission?
The passage of a pathogen from an infected host or contaminated source to another host, where it can cause infection.
What determines the route by which a pathogen is transmitted?
The pathogen and the host.
What are three routes by which pathogens can be transmitted between hosts?
How can isolating infected hosts or removing infected plants reduce transmission?
It limits contact with susceptible hosts, reducing opportunities for infection.
What type of pathogen causes measles?
A virus.
What two symptoms can measles cause?
Fever and a red skin rash.
How does measles spread between people?
By inhaling droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
How serious can measles be?
It can be serious and may be fatal if complications develop.
How are young children commonly protected against measles?
By vaccination.
How can HIV be transmitted through sexual contact?
Body fluids containing HIV pass into another person's body.
How can sharing needles transmit HIV?
Needles contaminated with infected blood can transfer the blood between people.
What can happen after the initial flu-like illness caused by HIV infection?
The illness may subside, but HIV remains in the body.
How do antiretroviral drugs reduce the amount of HIV in the body?
They suppress HIV replication.
How do antiretroviral drugs help protect the immune system?
They help protect immune cells from damage.
What can effective ongoing HIV treatment prevent?
Progression to AIDS.
What can severe immune damage from uncontrolled HIV leave the body unable to deal with effectively?
Other infections and certain cancers.