Difference Between HIV and AIDS: Definition, Types, Examples, Symptoms

HIV and AIDS

Although many people use the terms interchangeably, HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. HIV stands for the human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks the human body's immune system. While AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, meaning a state that develops in people who have gone without treatment for HIV. Successful prevention, diagnosis, and treatment depend on a clear distinction between HIV and AIDS.

What is HIV?

HIV is a virus that breaks down the immune system, the CD4 cells, also called T cells play a role in protecting the body from infections. HIV gradually destroys the immune system and thus exposes it to infections and diseases. When left untreated, HIV develops into AIDS, which is termed the last stage of an infection, here, the immune system is completely destroyed. HIV is primarily transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child at birth or through breastfeeding.

What is AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of HIV infection. This usually occurs when a person's immunity and immune system has been seriously impaired, leaving their body so open to infections and other cancers. The distressing diseases found in people with AIDS can be fatal due to lost immune function. AIDS can be fatal if not treated. If one is living with HIV, antiretroviral therapy or ART can mitigate it by preventing HIV from turning into AIDS.

Difference Between HIV and AIDS

HIV is a retrovirus that contains RNA as its genetic material. Once it enters the human body, it uses a special enzyme to convert its RNA into DNA, which then gets inserted into the host's cells. Over time, when the immune system becomes extremely weak, the condition progresses to AIDS.The major differences between HIV and AIDS are given below:

HIV is a potential virus leading to infection, having an initial onset of the disease in which the symptoms might be very mild or even absent commonly diagnosed by blood tests that detect the presence of the virus. Treatment is based on antiretroviral therapy, which would help keep the infection under control from further progress.

The advanced stage is referred to as AIDS. It manifests with very severe symptoms, such as opportunistic infections and cancers. In most cases, a diagnosis of ADS is made in the presence of particular infections or cancers that demand more intensive treatment to manage complications alongside continued ART. Progression from HIV to AIDS thus presents a deterioration in health conditions and immune function.

MCQs on HIV and AIDS

Q1. The causative organism of AIDS spreads by

1. Sharing infected needles and syringes

2. Transfusion of infected blood

3. Unsafe sexual relationships

4. All of these

Correct answer: 4) All of these

Explanation:

The HIV can spread by:

1. sexual contact with an infected person

2. by transfusion of contaminated blood and blood products,

3. by sharing infected needles as in the case of intravenous drug abusers and

4. from the infected mother to her child through the placenta.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) All of these.

Q2. In which blood corpuscles, the HIV undergoes replication and produces progeny viruses ?

1. TH Cells

2. B–lymphocytes

3. Basophils

4. Eosinophils

Correct answer: 1) TH Cells

Explanation:

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) primarily infects and replicates in T-helper cells, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. HIV specifically targets CD4 receptors on the surface of T-helper cells. Once inside the T-helper cells, the virus replicates and produces progeny viruses, leading to the destruction of T-helper cells and the weakening of the immune system. This is why HIV infection can result in immunodeficiency and increased susceptibility to various infections and diseases.

Hence the correct answer is Option (1) TH Cells.

Q3. Choose the correct option regarding Retrovirus:

1. An RNA virus that synthesizes DNA during infection

2. A DNA virus that synthesizes RNA during infection.

3. An ssDNA virus

4. A dsRNA virus

Correct answer: 1) An RNA virus that synthesizes DNA during infection

Explanation:

Retrovirus Key Characteristics:

1. RNA Genetic Material: Retroviruses possess a single-stranded RNA genome as their genetic makeup.
2. Unusual Replication: They employ reverse transcription, a distinctive process wherein the RNA is transformed into complementary DNA (cDNA) using the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which inverts the standard DNA to RNA flow of genetic information.
3. Integration: An enzyme named integrase facilitates the insertion of this new DNA into the host cell's genome.
4. Dependence on Host: Obligate parasites are unable to replicate independently, relying on host cells for their reproduction.
5. Notable Examples: Include HIV, the causative agent of AIDS, which specifically targets the human immune system.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) An RNA virus that can synthesize DNA during infection.

Also Read:

• MCQs on HIV and AIDS

• Innate Immunity

• Vaccination

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the difference between AIDS and HIV?
HIV is the virus that weakens the immune system, while AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection when the immune system is severely damaged.

Q2. How to cure HIV at the early stage?
There is no complete cure, but early treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) can control the virus and prevent AIDS.

Q3. How long can an HIV patient live?
With proper treatment, an HIV patient can live a long and healthy life, often close to a normal lifespan.

Q4. Is HIV a DNA or RNA virus?
HIV is an RNA virus that uses reverse transcription to make DNA copies in the host cells.

Q5. Who discovered HIV?
HIV was discovered in 1983 by Luc Montagnier and his team at the Pasteur Institute in France.

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