Question

Which one of the following statements about AIDS caused by HIV is correct?

• A. The time lag between the HIV infection and AIDS manifestation varies from 2-3 weeks.
• B. After entering the body, HIV enters B-lymphocytes.
• C. The AIDS-affected individuals are more susceptible to Tuberculosis.
• D. HIV infection depletes only the CD8 lymphocytes in the body.

Hint:

HIV infection primarily attacks CD4+ T-cells, weakening the immune system and increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections such as Tuberculosis and other illnesses.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Evaluate Statement 1
Statement 1: "The time lag between the HIV infection and AIDS manifestation varies from 2-3 weeks."
This statement is incorrect. The time lag between HIV infection and AIDS manifestation, also called the "window period," usually ranges from a few years to a decade or more. It is not as short as 2-3 weeks.

Step 2: Evaluate Statement 2
Statement 2: "After entering the body, HIV enters B-lymphocytes."
This statement is also incorrect. HIV primarily targets CD4+ T-lymphocytes, not B-lymphocytes. The virus binds to the CD4 receptor on the surface of T-helper cells, which is the primary host for HIV. It does not enter B-lymphocytes as the main mechanism of infection.

Step 3: Evaluate Statement 3
Statement 3: "The AIDS-affected individuals are more susceptible to Tuberculosis."
This statement is correct. HIV/AIDS compromises the immune system, particularly the CD4+ T-cells. This weakened immune system makes individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections, including Tuberculosis (TB). TB is one of the leading causes of death among people living with HIV due to the weakened immune defenses.

Step 4: Evaluate Statement 4
Statement 4: "HIV infection depletes only the CD8 lymphocytes in the body."
This statement is incorrect. HIV primarily targets CD4+ T-lymphocytes, not CD8+ T-cells. CD8+ T-cells are important in the immune response, but they are not the main target of HIV. The depletion of CD4+ T-cells leads to the weakening of the immune system, which is characteristic of AIDS.

Conclusion
The correct answer is statement (3), which accurately reflects the increased susceptibility of AIDS-affected individuals to Tuberculosis. HIV compromises the immune system, making the body more prone to opportunistic infections like TB.