HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a threatening condition that causes AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. HIV harms the immune system’s ability to fight off viruses. HIV can be transmitted sexually, through contact with infected blood, or from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS; however, medications do help a bit. HIV slowly deteriorates one’s body, making one more susceptible to contracting various diseases, such as tuberculosis, salmonella, and meningitis to name a few. I experienced this first-hand from my uncle, who unfortunately died from HIV five years ago. Viruses mutate in order to live in the host’s cells longer and eventually spread to others. In the case of HIV, the diseases is caused by an "opportunistic pathogen", meaning a pathogen that is present in the environment but technically does not cause the disease because the host’s defenses control the virus. The HIV mutates in order to deteriorate the immune system and eventually kill the host. HIV specifically targets T helper lymphocytes in order to kill the immune system. Every day, millions of copies of the HIV virus are made in one’s immune system. Therefore, the virus kills a few T helper lymphocytes every day until, eventually, there are more infected cells than healthy cells in one’s immune system. Thus, killing the host.
Citations: Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). HIV/AIDS. Retrieved June 5, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/basics/preparing-for-your-appointment/con-20013732 Holland, K. (2013, February 19). How HIV Affects the Body. Retrieved June 5, 2015, from http://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/how-hiv-affects-the-body#1
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), like Julieta said, a virus that targets the host’s immune system. In spite of the destruction of the viruses’ native habitat, HIV survives because of its ability to evolve and its parasitic dependence on host organisms. Even when HIV is removed from a habitat that is completely different from what it is used to, HIV thrives because it can evolve quickly and adapt to other habitats as long as it is in a host organism. HIV can easily kill its host but as long as it finds a new one, it will continue to exist. If HIV ever causes a host species to go extinct, it can jump species to ensure its survival.
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a threatening condition that causes AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. HIV harms the immune system’s ability to fight off viruses. HIV can be transmitted sexually, through contact with infected blood, or from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS; however, medications do help a bit. HIV slowly deteriorates one’s body, making one more susceptible to contracting various diseases, such as tuberculosis, salmonella, and meningitis to name a few. I experienced this first-hand from my uncle, who unfortunately died from HIV five years ago. Viruses mutate in order to live in the host’s cells longer and eventually spread to others. In the case of HIV, the diseases is caused by an "opportunistic pathogen", meaning a pathogen that is present in the environment but technically does not cause the disease because the host’s defenses control the virus. The HIV mutates in order to deteriorate the immune system and eventually kill the host. HIV specifically targets T helper lymphocytes in order to kill the immune system. Every day, millions of copies of the HIV virus are made in one’s immune system. Therefore, the virus kills a few T helper lymphocytes every day until, eventually, there are more infected cells than healthy cells in one’s immune system. Thus, killing the host.
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Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). HIV/AIDS. Retrieved June 5, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/basics/preparing-for-your-appointment/con-20013732
Holland, K. (2013, February 19). How HIV Affects the Body. Retrieved June 5, 2015, from http://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/how-hiv-affects-the-body#1
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), like Julieta said, a virus that targets the host’s immune system. In spite of the destruction of the viruses’ native habitat, HIV survives because of its ability to evolve and its parasitic dependence on host organisms. Even when HIV is removed from a habitat that is completely different from what it is used to, HIV thrives because it can evolve quickly and adapt to other habitats as long as it is in a host organism. HIV can easily kill its host but as long as it finds a new one, it will continue to exist. If HIV ever causes a host species to go extinct, it can jump species to ensure its survival.
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