Question 1

Which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) from single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) in retroviruses?

Accepted Answer

Reverse transcriptase

Question 2

What is the first step in the synthesis of DNA from +ssRNA by reverse transcriptase?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of negative ssDNA

Question 3

Which of the following cells are major reservoirs for and distributors of HIV in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Monocytes and macrophages

Question 4

Which glycoprotein on the HIV envelope is primarily responsible for attachment to host cells and is antigenically variable?

Accepted Answer

gp120

Question 5

A patient is diagnosed with AIDS after presenting with Kaposi’s sarcoma and a low CD4 T cell count. Which virus is most likely responsible for the immunosuppression?

Accepted Answer

HIV

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the genetic material found in retroviruses?

Accepted Answer

Two identical molecules of positive-sense single-stranded RNA

Question 7

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of AIDS?

Accepted Answer

Severe decrease in helper T cells and opportunistic infections

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a recommended prevention strategy for HIV transmission?

Accepted Answer

Sharing personal razors

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the replication cycle of HIV is correct?

Accepted Answer

Reverse transcriptase synthesizes dsDNA from ssRNA

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why HIV is difficult for the immune system to clear?

Accepted Answer

HIV envelope glycoproteins are antigenically variable and the virus integrates into host DNA

Question 11

A patient with a history of intravenous drug use presents with recurrent fever and septicemia due to Salmonella. Which underlying condition should be suspected?

Accepted Answer

AIDS

Question 12

Which of the following is the main function of the HIV envelope glycoprotein gp41?

Accepted Answer

Fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of viral integrase in the HIV life cycle?

Accepted Answer

Inserts viral dsDNA into the host chromosome

Question 14

Which of the following is a reason why antiretroviral therapy (ART) does not cure HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

HIV can remain dormant as a provirus integrated into host DNA

Question 15

Which of the following is a common fungal infection seen in AIDS patients?

Accepted Answer

Thrush (Candida)

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS?

Accepted Answer

HIV is found worldwide, with the highest prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa

Question 17

Which of the following laboratory tests is definitive for diagnosing HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

PCR test to detect HIV RNA

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of long-term nonprogressors in HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

They do not develop AIDS despite being infected with HIV

Question 19

Which of the following is a major difference between HIV-1 and HIV-2?

Accepted Answer

HIV-1 is prevalent in the United States and Europe, HIV-2 in West Africa

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why protease inhibitors are used in the treatment of HIV?

Accepted Answer

They prevent the maturation of viral proteins, resulting in non-infectious virions

Pathogenic RNA Viruses: Retroviridae and HIV/AIDS

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