At which stage of HIV infection does one usually show symptoms of AIDS?
- When the infecting retrovirus enters host cells
- When viral DNA is produced by reverse transcriptase
- When HIV replicates rapidly in helper T-lymphocytes and damages large number of these
- Within 15 days of sexual contact with an infected person
Answer
(3) When HIV replicates rapidly in helper T-lymphocytes and damages large number of these
Solution
As per NCERT, after entering the body HIV first multiplies in macrophages, which act as an HIV factory. The virus then enters helper T-lymphocytes (TH), replicates and produces progeny viruses that attack other helper T-cells.
The number of helper T-lymphocytes progressively decreases and the person becomes immunodeficient.
Symptoms of AIDS appear when HIV replicates rapidly in helper T-lymphocytes and damages a large number of them.
Answer: (3)