AIDS
Read the following passage carefully and answer the given questions.
AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which has an envelope enclosing RNA genome. Transmission of HIV infection generally occurs by (a) sexual contact with infected person, (b) transfusion of contaminated blood and blood products, (c) sharing infected needles, as in case of intravenous drug abusers; and (d) from infected mother to her child through placenta. It is important to note that HIV/AIDS is not spread by mere touch or physical contact; it spreads only through body fluids. It is, hence, imperative, for physical and psychological well-being, that they are not isolated from family and society. Infection with HIV or having AIDS is something that should not be hidden – since then, the infection may spread to many more people. HIV/AIDS-infected people need help and sympathy instead of being shunned by society.
The symptoms of AIDS are usually expressed after:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → 5 to 10 years of infection
There is always a time-lag between getting infected with HIV and the appearance of the symptoms of AIDS. During this time the virus keeps multiplying in the macrophages and helper T-lymphocytes, and the number of helper T-cells falls slowly. The symptoms appear only when the immune system has become very weak. This period may be a few months to many years, but it is usually 5 to 10 years.
Note: The passage is taken from NCERT. NTA has put lines of the NCERT text together to make it. Most CUET (UG) questions come straight from NCERT, so study the book line by line, including figures and their titles.
NCERT Extract:
AIDS – “… Find out and make a list of such conditions. It is important to note that HIV/AIDS is not spread by mere touch or physical contact; it spreads only through body fluids. It is, hence, imperative, for the physical and psychological well-being, that the HIV/AIDS infected persons are not isolated from family and society. There is always a time-lag between the infection and appearance of AIDS symptoms. This period may vary from a few months to many years (usually 5-10 years).”