EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -HIV destroys CD4 cells by using their replication machinery to create new copies of the virus. This ultimately causes the CD4 cells to swell and burst. When the virus has destroyed a certain number of CD4 cells and the CD4 count drops below 200, a person will have progressed to AIDS.

Detailed explanation-2: -During the last three decades, HIV virologists have sought to understand how HIV attacks and destroys its principal cellular target, the CD4 T lymphocyte. It is the death of this subset of lymphocytes that lies at the root of AIDS.

Detailed explanation-3: -HIV infects and destroys certain white blood cells called CD4+ cells. If too many CD4+ cells are destroyed, the body can no longer defend itself against infection. The last stage of HIV infection is AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

Detailed explanation-4: -HIV destroys CD4 T lymphocytes (helper T cells). Because of this, healthcare professionals measure CD4 levels to monitor HIV progression and AIDS. Helper T cells are crucial for immune system function and activate after encountering antigens from disease-causing microorganisms.

Detailed explanation-5: -Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) specifically attacks Helper T cells. Without an adequate supply of Helper T cells, the immune system cannot signal B cells to produce antibodies or Cytotoxic T cells to kill infected cells.