Why Does HIV Cause Disease in People

Question

Why does HIV cause disease in people?
A) It produces a toxin.
B) It destroys helper T cells.
C) It stimulates the growth of memory cells.
D) It causes the loss of plasma nutrients.

Accepted Answer

HIV primarily targets and destroys helper T cells, which play a crucial role in the immune system's response to infections. Without sufficient numbers of these cells, the body is unable to mount an effective defense against pathogens, leading to an increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and certain cancers, which ultimately causes the disease known as AIDS. The virus does not produce a toxin or cause the loss of plasma nutrients, nor does it stimulate the growth of memory cells.