Jitt # 11 Acquired Immune Deficiency Disorder

Question 1

What type of cell does HIV infect? How does it do this?

Answer 1

HIV infects CD4 cells. The CD4 receptor is the receptor for HIV. CD4 is also a receptor on macrophages, and is susceptible to infection gp120 on the surface of HIV binds CD4. (megakaryocytes; glial cells; may also be infected)

Question 2

What are the co-receptors for HIV?

Answer 2

CCR5 and CXCR4

Question 3

What is gp41? What is its function?

Answer 3

gp41 is a viral protein that mediates fusion of the enveloped virus with the target cell leading to infection.

Question 4

What is the standard indicator of infection with HIV?

Answer 4

Antibodies against the virus coat protein gp120.

Question 5

Symptoms of HIV

Answer 5

low grade fevers and night sweats; excessive fatigue; candidiasis; swollen lymph nodes; weight loss; CD4+ levels dropping; low platelet count

Question 6

What tests do you use to diagnose HIV infection?

Answer 6

Eliza; Western blot