how does a virus such as HIV infects cells?

Question

how does a virus such as HIV infects cells?

Answer 1

If you think of the nucleus of a cell as being like a factory (which builds what the cell needs and eventually builds new cells) and a virus as an invading force...



The virus attacks a cell and attempts to overtake the nucleus. If the virus is successful in overtaking the nucleus, it rewrites the building plans of the nucleus to force it to make new copies of itself. These new copies then move on to other cells to try to repeat the process.



You can learn about all of the details at the link provided below.

Answer 2

Viruses such as HIV infect cells by binding with the DNA within them. Biologists tend to describe cells as being like tiny factories, which is probably a good starting point - the double-helix of DNA splits into two singles, each being essentially able to recreate the double on account of the fact that each of the four basic parts (referred to by the letters A, C, G & T) will only combine with the correct partner. In this way, the nucleus of a cell (which is where the DNA is found) produces 'copies' of the DNA in order to produce more cells of the same kind.



The virus particle enters the cell and is attracted to the nucleus (this does not happen in red blood cells as they have no nuclei). By releasing its choroid coating (or 'shell' if you prefer), the DNA of the virus attacks and replaces that of the host cell and thus the cell is set to replicate this DNA instead of its own.



Extending the 'factory' analogy, the cell is now set up to create products on behalf of the invader rather than on behalf of the original 'customer'. The nature of the 'factory' has been changed.



Virus DNA is generally more rapidly reproductive than that of the invaded host cells, so a great number of virus particles are produced before the invaded cell dies - and the number of virus particles within an organism grows very quickly.



Since the alterations to the DNA structure of the cells of the infected organism would mean the function of the cells is invariably affected, this effect is what we interpret as a disease. Sometimes the affected organism (be it a man, a dog, a worm or whatever) is capable of detecting the change and eliminating the 'rogue' cells. This is the function of the immune system. If the organism cannot do this, the virus has won the battle - and the organism dies.



I hope this helps.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

It seems highly unlikely, since HIV generally causes a DROP in white blood cell counts. A rise in them seems to indicate an infection, and blood in the urine suggests it is probably a urinary tract infection. Since the doctor has taken these tests, he will probably investigate the source of this and give you some antibiotics if it is appropriate. A more important question is, why are you worried it is HIV? Do you have any reason to suspect you might be HIV positive? If so, why don't you have an HIV test? Having a test is not a big deal at all, and it will set your mind at rest. Many STI clinics offer walk in anonymous appointments which will give you the results in 15 minutes. I was tested for HIV earlier this year (I had massively swollen glands for ages that didn't go down) and it really wasn't this big scary deal everyone imagines it to be.

Answer 5

I will not re-iterate what others have said, I will only clarify. The HIV virus binds to T cells and replicate. After being infected the body generates more T cells to fight off the virus which in turn gives the HIV more cells to attach to. Over the period of infection, prior to full AIDS onset the T cell levels in the body lower until the body cannot fight off any infections.

Answer 6

HIV is a retrovirus. It enters the body via exchange of bodily fluids. The viral capsule which contains the virus's genetic material then adheres to a cell membrane. After a while the viral capsule and the host cell fuse together and the RNA from the virus is released into the host cell. The really frightening aspect of HIV (and other retroviruses) is that the RNA from it combines with the host DNA - it literally mutates your genes. This is one of the reasons that a cure has been so difficult to find. More info at Wikipedia (see link).

Answer 7

A virus gets into the cells then multiplies within the cell breaking down the cell walls and then moving on to other cells.



With the HIV virus it breaks down blood cells which means that they cant fight infection which means that illnesses that you could be cured of easily kill you.



It becomes full blown aids when you are suffering from two or more symptoms of it. for example thrush and pneumonia.



I learnt this in a prevention of infection class year as I am studying to be a beauty therapist

Answer 8

HIV only attacks a type of immune system cell found in the bloodstream called a Helper T cell. It injects its own genetic makeup into the cell, and 'hijacks' the cell's nucleus (which contains the DNA), forcing the cell to use its own mechanisms to create more HIV viruses. Once a certain number of viruses have been produced the cell bursts and dies, releasing the new viruses into the bloodstream to infect more cells.



This is how HIV destroys the immune system.

Answer 9

Most viruses bind to a protein on the cell surface and then are internalized via cellular uptake mechanisms. For a very detailed explanation on HIV itself, go to the link below and select the "Binding and entry" chapter.

Answer 10

hiv infects the blood stream

seeings as the blood stream reaches just about every part of your body, it infects the cells on its way :)

Answer 11

retrovius receptors on the cell's cellular membrane