Question
__ The destruction of T-cells by HIV leads to the death of an infected person. Explain how. __
Answer
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Ellie
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
The destruction of T-cells by HIV leads to the death of an infected person by weakening the immune system, making the person susceptible to opportunistic infections or cancers.
Explanation
## Step 1: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) primarily targets and infects the T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in the immune system. T-cells are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases.## Step 2: Once HIV infiltrates these T-cells, it uses the cells to replicate itself, in the process destroying the T-cells. This leads to a decrease in the number of T-cells in the body.## Step 3: The decrease in T-cells weakens the immune system, impairing its ability to fight off infections and diseases. This leads to an increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections or infection-related cancers.## Step 4: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of HIV infection. During this stage, the immune system is severely damaged, and the body becomes defenseless against common infections and diseases.## Step 5: Rather than HIV/AIDS itself causing death, it's these opportunistic infections or cancers that tend to be fatal.