Question 1

Which enzyme is crucial for HIV to convert its RNA into DNA within a host cell?

Accepted Answer

Reverse transcriptase

Question 2

During the initial response to HIV infection, which of the following is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Immune system produces antibodies and patient tests positive, but shows no disease symptoms

Question 3

Why is it difficult to develop a vaccine for HIV?

Accepted Answer

HIV exhibits high rates of mutation

Question 4

Which cells are primarily targeted and destroyed by HIV, leading to immune deficiency?

Accepted Answer

T4 cells (Helper T cells)

Question 5

A patient with AIDS develops Pneumocystis pneumonia and Kaposi's sarcoma. What does this indicate about their immune system?

Accepted Answer

Opportunistic infections have appeared due to weakened immune responses

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of reverse transcriptase inhibitors in AIDS therapy?

Accepted Answer

They block the synthesis of viral DNA from RNA

Question 7

What is the main reason why triple therapy is used in AIDS treatment?

Accepted Answer

To combine two reverse transcriptase inhibitors and one protease inhibitor for greater effectiveness

Question 8

Which of the following is a common side effect of reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as AZT, DDI, and Delavirdine?

Accepted Answer

Pancreatitis and inflammation of peripheral nerves

Question 9

HIV can be transmitted from mother to fetus. What is the estimated risk of transmission during birth or across the placenta?

Accepted Answer

25-40%

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why HIV can remain undetected for years after infection?

Accepted Answer

The virus hides in lymph nodes and slowly destroys T cells without causing symptoms

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a cell type that HIV attacks to a lesser extent?

Accepted Answer

Red blood cells

Question 12

If $$N is $$the number of T4 cells at the start of HIV infection and the virus causes a moderate decline over time, which equation best represents the change in T4 cells during the initial response?

Accepted Answer

$$N_{final} = N - k$$

Question 13

Which of the following factors can speed up the onset of AIDS symptoms in an HIV-infected individual?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to other diseases and poor nutrition

Question 14

Protease inhibitors are used in AIDS therapy primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent formation of protein coat around the virus

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the risk of HIV transmission through a single sexual act?

Accepted Answer

1-100 to 1-1000

Question 16

A patient is diagnosed with AIDS and is prescribed a combination of AZT, DDI, and Ritonavir. What is the rationale behind this treatment?

Accepted Answer

To use two reverse transcriptase inhibitors and one protease inhibitor for maximum viral suppression

Question 17

Which of the following statements about HIV resistance to therapy is correct?

Accepted Answer

HIV can develop resistance to reverse transcriptase inhibitors

Question 18

If $$V is $$the number of viruses in the lymph nodes and $$R is $$the rate at which lymph nodes dissolve in the final phase, which equation best represents the release of viruses into the blood?

Accepted Answer

$$V_{blood} = V 	imes R$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a reason why animal models are not used for HIV vaccine development?

Accepted Answer

HIV only infects humans and does not have suitable animal hosts

Question 20

Which of the following best explains the role of cofactors in the progression of AIDS?

Accepted Answer

Cofactors such as poor nutrition, stress, and exposure to other diseases speed up the onset of AIDS symptoms

AIDS: Pathogenesis, Immune System Effects, Therapy, and Transmission

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