What events occur when HIV enters the body?

Answer 1

HIV infects cells with structures called CD4 molecules on their surface. These include lymphocytes which fight infection. The virus multiplies rapidly in CD4+ cells destroying them in the process. If HIV goes untreated the number of CD4+lymphocytes eventually fall so low as to compromise the immune system- it is weakened severely.

Answer 2

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.) HIV is transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid or breast milk.

HIV uses white blood cells to replicate through a process called reverse transcription. HIV is found in highest concentration in body fluids where these cells are abudantly present.

Once infected, humans produce an antibody in response to HIV infection. This antibody is used to test for the presence of HIV.

As time passses, those who are infected with HIV may have increased difficulty recovering from infections. This happens because HIV will gradually reduce the amount of healthy, disease-fighting cells in the body. When the virus has reduced the amount of cells to a critical level, HIV+ individuals are at risk for developing opportunistic infections that can be deadly. When a patient reaches this stage, a medical provider will likely diagnose them as having AIDS.

Death occurs less frequently with infection as time passes. Generally, if a patient does die from HIV infection, it is because they were no longer able to recover from an opportunistic infection.

Answer 3

There is no immediate effect of HIV on your body once it gets into the bloodstream. It takes from a few hours to a few days to get infected. Once infected, HIV attacks the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

Answer 4

it attacks and destroys a certain kind of lymphocyte called helper t-cells that help make antibodies to fight infections

Answer 5

When HIV is first entering the body it is then going to the Immune System.