Section quiz

True
False

Correct Answer: False
Unlike living things, viruses cannot reproduce on their own. Instead, viruses make copies of themselves by hijacking the cells of a living being (the virus’s host), infiltrating the host cells’ genetic material, and converting the host cells’ activities to virus production. In this process, viruses often damage the host's cells and cause disease in the host.

1–3 months after exposure, although in some cases it may take up to 6 months
3–6 months after exposure, although in some cases it may take up to a year
1–2 weeks after exposure, although in some cases it may take up to a month

Correct Answer: 1–3 months after exposure, although in some cases it may take up to 6 months
Tests can usually detect HIV antibodies in the blood 1–3 months after exposure to the virus, although in some cases it may take up to 6 months.

They mutate quickly.
They have a long delay period between infection and the display of symptoms.
They have DNA (rather than RNA) as their genetic material.
They have RNA (rather than DNA) as their genetic material.

Correct Answer: They have a long delay period between infection and the display of symptoms.
Lenti means "slow," so lentiviruses are retroviruses that have a long delay between the time they initially infect a person and the time the person starts to show serious symptoms.

CD4+ cells
T-cells
lymphocytes
red blood cells

Correct Answer: red blood cells
Although HIV can infect a number of cells in the body, its main targets are T-cells called CD4 positive (CD4+) cells. T-cells are a kind of lymphocyte, which are cells that the body's immune system makes to fight off dangerous invaders. (Lymphocytes are also called white blood cells.) T-cells that have a molecule called cluster designation 4 (CD4) on their surfaces are called CD4+, or T-helper cells.

reproductive
digestive
lymphatic
circulatory

Correct Answer: lymphatic
The virus replicates in the organs and tissues of the lymphatic system, which is the system that produces, stores, and carries white blood cells to fight infection and disease.

1–2 years
3–5 years
7–8 years
More than 10 years

Correct Answer: 7–8 years
The average person with HIV is symptom-free for 7–8 years. However, some people may develop symptoms within a few months, whereas others may not have symptoms for more than 10 years.

True
False

Correct Answer: False
Although people have no signs or symptoms of HIV disease during the asymptomatic period, the virus is multiplying and their immune systems are already suffering from the presence of HIV.