HIV primarily affects which part of the body?

HIV primarily affects which part of the body?

• A. The nervous system
• B. The heart
• C. The cell mediated immune system
• D. The respiratory system

Answer: (C)

HIV primarily targets the cell-mediated immune system, specifically by affecting CD4 T-cells (also known as T-helper cells), which are crucial components of the immune response. These cells play a vital role in orchestrating the body's defense against infections, including the activation of other immune cells like B-cells and cytotoxic T-cells. When HIV enters the body, it binds to the CD4 receptors on these T-cells, leading to their destruction. This depletion of CD4 T-cells weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers, ultimately leading to AIDS if not managed properly. The other systems mentioned—nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory—are not the primary focus of HIV's attack. While HIV can have effects on the nervous system and contribute to complications in various organs over time, its most significant and immediate impact occurs within the immune system, emphasizing the importance of preventing and treating the virus to preserve immune function.

HIV primarily targets the cell-mediated immune system, specifically by affecting CD4 T-cells (also known as T-helper cells), which are crucial components of the immune response. These cells play a vital role in orchestrating the body's defense against infections, including the activation of other immune cells like B-cells and cytotoxic T-cells. When HIV enters the body, it binds to the CD4 receptors on these T-cells, leading to their destruction. This depletion of CD4 T-cells weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers, ultimately leading to AIDS if not managed properly.

The other systems mentioned—nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory—are not the primary focus of HIV's attack. While HIV can have effects on the nervous system and contribute to complications in various organs over time, its most significant and immediate impact occurs within the immune system, emphasizing the importance of preventing and treating the virus to preserve immune function.