Virology Overview

Question 1

HIV nucleic acid structure

Answer 1

ss(+) RNA, 2 copies

Question 2

HIV viral structure

Answer 2

enveloped, truncated conical capsid

Question 3

HIV entry

Answer 3

*viral GP120 binds target CD4 and co-receptors
*viral GP41 transmembrane protein: protein fusion

Question 4

HIV replication enzymes

Answer 4

*viral reverse transcriptase: RNA-dependent DNA polymerase
*viral integrase: viral DNA integration into host DNA

Question 5

3 important genes for HIV virus

Answer 5

1. env gene
2. gag gene
3. pol gene

Question 6

HIV transmission

Answer 6

sexual contact, bloodborne, and vertical transmission

Question 7

HIV clinical course, overview

Answer 7

1. acute retroviral syndrome (flu-like), then asymptomatic
2. early symptomatic
3. AIDS
   **stages 1-3 based on CD4+ T-cell counts

Question 8

which virus is characterized by the following “buzz” words:
fatigue, weight loss, lymphadenopathy, low-grade fever, homosexual male, IV drug user, sexually active adult, decreasing CD4 count, opportunistic infections

Answer 8

HIV

Question 9

HIV testing

Answer 9

antigen/antibody tests: p24 AND anti HIV-1/HIV-2 IgM + IgG
**aka “4th generation tests”