AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -People who are taking ART may be in this stage for several decades. While it is still possible to transmit HIV to others during this stage, people who take ART exactly as prescribed and maintain an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to an HIV-negative partner through sex.

Detailed explanation-2: -Although the virus is significantly slowed during the clinical latency stage, it can still be transmitted from person to person.

Detailed explanation-3: -During clinical latency, the amount of virus in the blood often remains stable but detectable, and the CD4 count slowly declines from normal levels (above 500). In rare cases, the infected person’s immune system keeps the viral levels very low and the CD4 count does not drop, even without the use of medications.

Detailed explanation-4: -Anal sex is the riskiest type of sex for getting or transmitting HIV. Being the receptive partner (bottom) is riskier than being the insertive partner (top). The bottom’s risk is higher because the rectum’s lining is thin and may allow HIV to enter the body during anal sex.

Detailed explanation-5: -Stage 2: Clinical Latency This stage is also called chronic HIV infection. Without HIV treatment, people can stay in this stage for 10 or 15 years, but some move through this stage faster.