RNA retrovirus

Question 1

Human
Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV) morphology/structure

Answer 1

Enveloped,
ssRNA,
retrovirus

Question 2

Human
Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV) modes of transmission

Answer 2

Unprotected
sex with
infected
person,
contaminated
blood
transfusions
and needles, to
baby via the
placenta of
infected
mother.

Question 3

Human
Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV) virulence factors

Answer 3

Binds to and
destroys T helper
cells. Reverse
transcriptase and
integrase allows
virus to exist as
prophage,

Question 4

Human
Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV) diseases/symptoms

Answer 4

Initially flu-like
symptoms. Once
immunocompromised,
susceptible to ubiqutous
microbes (e.g., herpes
family), pneumonia, and
opportunistic infections.

Question 5

Human
Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV) diagnostics

Answer 5

PCR to test
for presence
of viral RNA or
blood test to
determine
presence of
HIV
antibodies.

Question 6

Human
Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV) prevention/treatment

Answer 6

Use of
condoms
during sexual
intercourse,
Use of
antiretrovirals
if known
exposure or
use in
infected
pregnant
women.
Drugs include
fusion
inhibitors and
nucleoside
analog
reverse
transcriptase
inhibitors.

Question 7

Human
Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV) immune response

Answer 7

Infects T
helper cells,
wipes out
specific
immunity