HIV infects helper T cells. Their loss weakens antibody production and immune coordination, contributing to AIDS and opportunistic infections. Review these mechanisms in IB Biology SL C3.2.12.
The graph shows changes in the relative amount of one blood component and the number of HIV RNA copies in blood plasma of an infected person over time.
Key: - Blood component
HIV RNA copies
Which statement explains a likely symptom nine years after the initial infection?
The patient feels tired, as there would be fewer red blood cells to transport oxygen.
The patient has difficulty recovering from infectious diseases due to a lack of antibodies.
The risk of bleeding and blood infections increases due to a lack of clotting factors.
Opportunistic infections spread, as there are few phagocytes to destroy bacteria.