Pathogenicity and Immunology; Host resistance and the immune response 1
In this module you have learned of the importance of the immune system in protecting against disease. For the Module 4 case assignment you will investigate the virus HIV and its effect on the human immune system, as well as important topics in infectious disease in general. It is estimated that over 34 million people globally are living with HIV/AIDS. (http://www(dot)avert(dot)org) Acqiured immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been described as the most common secondary immune deficiency disease in the world. Infection with the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) has been identified as the cause of AIDS. For the module 4 case assignment prepare a paper addressing the following: Provide a general discussion of HIV/AIDS. In your paper discuss the structure of HIV and how the viral structure facilitates entry into host cells. Begin your research in your Introductory Microbiology textbook, using "Ch 11: Microbial Epidemiology," Ch 7: Viral Effects on Cells," and "Ch 17: Viruses and Prions" in A Concise Manual of Pathogenic Microbiology. Discuss the function of HIV protease, integrase, and reverse transcriptase. Explain how this pathogen causes disease in the host. Identify the characteristics of HIV which account for its transmission. Include the basic epidemiology of this virus and its method of transfer. The normal function of the immune system. Be sure to explain the function of B-lymphocytes, killer T-lymphocytes, helper T-lymphocytes, and macrophages. The function of the complement system. How HIV alters normal function of the immune system. Note: The assignment will require you to engage in independent research. Begin by reading through the chapters listed above. Your assignment is due by the Monday following the end of this Module. Please upload your case assignment. Case Assignment Expectations Length: Case Assignment Module assignments should be at least 2-4 pages (400-800 words) in length. References: At least two references should be included from academic sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources, it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section (preferably in APA format). Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your paper according to question Format: APA format is recommended (but not required) for this assignment. See Syllabus page for more information on APA format. Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted, assignments are expected to adhere to standards guidelines of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar and spelling impact clarity.
EFFECTS OF HIV ON HUMAN IMMUNE SYSTEM
Name:
Institution:
Date:
In the developing countries, HIV which brings about AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a common epidemic. As the word go, it affects the human immune system making it weak and therefore vulnerable to diseases (Ungvarski, 1999). In the recent days, many deaths in Africa are HIV related. The structure and component of this virus will be discussed as wells as its effect to the human immune system.
HIV unlike many virus and bacterias is small and can only be seen by an electron microscope clearly. It matures very rapidly hence a highly variable virus. There are two main types of HIV virus; HIV-1 and HIV-2 which are transmitted through sexual intercourse, mother to child among other modes. It’s a complex structure where HIV is coated by a fatty membrane called the viral envelope. It has spikes which are protaneous in nature called gp120 and gp 41. Beneath the viral envelope is matrix or p17 and viral core or the caspid made up of protein p24. The viral core contains is 3 enzymes that are fundamental inputs as far as HIV replication is concerned (Africa, & South African Medical Research Council, 2003). These enzymes protease, integrase, and reverse transcriptase.
HIV can only undergo replication inside a human cell where it makes new copies of itself. It attacks a specific type of cells in the body that have p24 receptor site on them like the macrophages in the immune system and also the T-helper cells. Using the spikes, the virus penetrate the cell leaving the envelope behide and the content of the virus get into the cell. Drugs acting on these sites are called fusion inhibitors. Inside the cell, it’s the work of enzyme reverse transcriptase to convert RNA to DNA. The DNA is compatible with human genetic material and then taken to the cell nucleus. At this point enzyme intergrase fix it in the human DNA. Once intergraded, it's referred to as provirus which starts infecti...