Transfusion Transmitted Infections

Question 1

Which of the following statements is correct?

a. The CD4 molecule on T helper cells is a receptor for HIV-1/2
b. The CD8 molecule on cytotoxic T cells is a receptor for HTLV-I/II
c. The P1 antigen on red blood cells is a receptor for parvovirus B19
d. The Jka epitope on red cells is the receptor for Plasmodium vivax malaria

Answer 1

The CD4 molecule on T helper cells is a receptor for HIV-1/2

This may seem like an unnecessarily detailed question. However, it is crucial to your understanding the nature of the HIV disease. Because the CD4 molecule on T Helper cells is a receptor for HIV virus, the virus replicates in the T helper cells and in turn diminishes the number of healthy active cells. It is the T helper cells which plays a heavy role in immunity. A decreased number of T helper cells leaves the patient at a higher risk for infections.