Question

Approximate number of AIDS patients worldwide is
A. 2 million
B. 36.9million
C. 200 million
D. 300 million

Answer 1

AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is a viral disease caused by HIV- Human Immunodeficiency virus. It is mainly a sexually transmitted disease. It is transmitted through body fluids. The pandemic spread of AIDS has posed the greatest challenge to public health in modern times. No medicine has been invented yet for curing the disease.

Complete answer:
HIV is the causative agent of AIDS that belongs to the lentivirus subgroup of the retrovirus family. HIV is a spherical enveloped virus with 92-120 nm size. Infection is acquired when the virus enters the blood or tissues of a person and comes into contact with a suitable host cell mainly the lymphocyte. The specific binding of the virus to the cell receptor is by the envelope glycoprotein gp120. Cell fusion is facilitated by transmembrane gp41. After the fusion HIV genome is uncoated, transcription of its RNA into double-stranded DNA occurs causing latent infection. The variable and long incubation period of HIV infection are because of this latency.
HIV spreads only by three modes. They are by sexual contact, by blood and blood products, and from infected mothers to babies. Approaches to the treatment of AIDS include the treatment and prophylaxis of infections, general management, Immuno restorative measures, specific anti-HIV agents. Highly active antiretroviral treatment ( HAART) is the main treatment for AIDS. No specific vaccine is available and a complete cure is impossible now. Only the lifespan and immunity can be increased.
According to the report of the World Health Organisation approximately 38 million people were living with HIV infection by the end of the year 2019. Among the options, 36.9 million is the closest value to this. Thus the correct answer is option (B), 36.9 million.

Note: Approximately 2 million people are living with AIDS in India. AIDS is the final stage in the wide spectrum of clinical features of HIV infection. The cause of HIV infection passes through different stages. They are acute HIV infection, latent infection, persistent generalized lymphadenopathy, AIDS-related complex, and finally the end-stage called AIDS. AIDS stage is represented by the irreversible breakdown of immune defense mechanisms making the patients susceptible to progressive opportunistic infections.