Read the passage and answer the following questions:
Once inside the human body, the HIV virus enters macrophages, a type of immune cell. Within the macrophages, the viral RNA genome is replicated to form viral DNA with the assistance of an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This viral DNA is then integrated into the DNA of the host cell, directing the infected cell to produce virus particles. The infected macrophages continue to produce the virus, acting as HIV factories. Simultaneously, the HIV virus also enters helper T-lymphocytes (TH cells) and replicates within them, producing new viruses. These progeny viruses are released into the bloodstream and target other helper T-lymphocytes, leading to a progressive decrease in their numbers. As the number of helper T-lymphocytes decreases, the infected person experiences various symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, and weight loss. Due to the decrease in helper T-lymphocytes, the person's immune system becomes severely weakened, making them susceptible to infections that could typically be overcome, including those caused by bacteria, such as Mycobacterium, viruses, fungi, and parasites like Toxoplasma. The patient becomes immunodeficient, unable to effectively protect themselves against these infections. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a widely used diagnostic test for AIDS, allowing for the detection of HIV infection. While antiretroviral drugs can partially prolong the life of AIDS patients, they cannot prevent death, which is inevitable without a cure for the disease. As AIDS has no cure, prevention is the best option. HIV infection primarily spreads through conscious behavioural patterns, unlike infections like pneumonia or typhoid that may occur inadvertently. Steps such as ensuring blood safety in blood banks, using disposable needles and syringes, promoting condom distribution, controlling drug abuse, advocating safe sex, and regular HIV check-ups in susceptible populations are taken to prevent the spread of HIV infection. It is essential not to hide HIV infection or AIDS as doing so may lead to further transmission. HIV/AIDS-infected individuals deserve help and sympathy from society instead of being stigmatized. Recognizing HIV/AIDS as a collective problem and taking collaborative actions between society and the medical fraternity are needed to prevent the widespread dissemination of the disease. It requires a joint effort to tackle this malady and prevent its spread.
Which of the following statements is incorrect?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Both AIDS and hepatitis B infections are acute infections and ultimately fatal.
People who take drugs intravenously often share needles and syringes. This passes the viruses of AIDS and hepatitis B from one person to another. Both infections can also spread through sexual contact or infected blood, and both are chronic infections that are ultimately fatal.
Option (1) Those who take drugs intravenously are much more likely to acquire serious infections like AIDS and hepatitis B. — A correct statement. Taking drugs directly into a vein with a needle and syringe makes such serious infections much more likely.
Option (2) The viruses of AIDS and hepatitis B are transferred from one person to another by sharing of infected needles and syringes. — A correct statement. Sharing of infected needles and syringes is the route by which these viruses pass between drug users.
Option (3) Both AIDS and hepatitis B infections are acute infections and ultimately fatal. — An incorrect statement. The book calls AIDS and hepatitis B chronic infections, not acute ones. They last for a long time and are ultimately fatal.
Option (4) Both AIDS and hepatitis B can be transmitted through sexual contact or infected blood. — A correct statement. Both AIDS and hepatitis B can be transmitted through sexual contact or infected blood.
NCERT Extract:
Effects of Drug/Alcohol Abuse – “Those who take drugs intravenously (direct injection into the vein using a needle and syringe), are much more likely to acquire serious infections like AIDS and Hepatitis B. The viruses, which are responsible for these diseases, are transferred from one person to another by sharing of infected needles and syringes. Both AIDS and Hepatitis B infections are chronic infections and ultimately fatal. Both can be transmitted through sexual contact or infected blood.”