At which stage of HIV infection does one usually show symtomas of AIDS

Options

A. When the viral DNA is produced by transcriptase
B. Within 15 days of sexual contact with an infected retro virus enters host cells
C. When the infected ratio virus enters host cells
D. When HIV damages large number of helper T-lymphocytes

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding HIV and AIDS**:
- HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 T lymphocytes (helper T cells).
- AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, which is a syndrome characterized by a range of diseases that occur due to the severe damage to the immune system caused by HIV.

2. **Stages of HIV Infection**:
- HIV infection progresses through several stages: acute infection, clinical latency, and AIDS.
- The acute infection stage occurs shortly after the virus enters the body, where symptoms may resemble flu-like symptoms.
- The clinical latency stage can last for several years, during which the virus is still active but reproduces at very low levels.

3. **Symptoms of AIDS**:
- Symptoms of AIDS typically appear in the third stage of HIV infection.
- This stage is characterized by a significant reduction in the number of CD4 T lymphocytes, leading to a severely compromised immune system.

4. **When Symptoms Appear**:
- Symptoms of AIDS manifest when the immune system is severely damaged, which is when the CD4 T lymphocyte count drops below a critical level (usually below 200 cells/mm³).
- At this point, the individual becomes susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers, which are the hallmark symptoms of AIDS.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, one usually shows symptoms of AIDS at the third stage of HIV infection, when there is extensive damage to the helper T lymphocytes.

---