Which statement accurately describes HIV and AIDS?

Which statement accurately describes HIV and AIDS?

• A. AIDS is caused by HIV, which is a virus that attacks the immune system.
• B. HIV is a fungus that weakens the immune system.
• C. HIV is a virus that attacks immune system cells and can lead to AIDS.
• D. HIV and AIDS are the same condition.

Answer: (C)

HIV is a virus that attacks immune system cells, especially CD4 T cells. Over time, this damage weakens the immune system and can progress to AIDS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome—the advanced stage defined by a severely compromised immune system and the ability to host serious infections. The statement that HIV is a virus that attacks immune system cells and can lead to AIDS accurately ties together the infectious agent, its action, and the potential outcome. The other options mischaracterize HIV as a fungus or claim HIV and AIDS are the same thing, which is not correct. A description that emphasizes the virus attacking immune cells and the progression to AIDS provides a clear, precise picture of how the two are related.

HIV is a virus that attacks immune system cells, especially CD4 T cells. Over time, this damage weakens the immune system and can progress to AIDS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome—the advanced stage defined by a severely compromised immune system and the ability to host serious infections. The statement that HIV is a virus that attacks immune system cells and can lead to AIDS accurately ties together the infectious agent, its action, and the potential outcome. The other options mischaracterize HIV as a fungus or claim HIV and AIDS are the same thing, which is not correct. A description that emphasizes the virus attacking immune cells and the progression to AIDS provides a clear, precise picture of how the two are related.