Case Study on AIDS

Class 11 Biology Project

Page 1: Title Page

Title: A Comprehensive Case Study on AIDS

Name: [Student's Name]
Class: XI
Subject: Biology
School Name: [School Name]
Date: [Insert Date]
Guide Teacher: [Teacher's Name]

Page 2: Index

1. Introduction
2. What is AIDS?
3. Origin and History of HIV/AIDS
4. HIV and Its Structure
5. Transmission of HIV
6. Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
7. Diagnosis and Testing
8. Stages of HIV Infection
9. Effects on the Immune System
10. Opportunistic Infections
11. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
12. Myths vs. Facts
13. Social and Psychological Impact
14. Global HIV/AIDS Statistics
15. AIDS in India: Case Data and Awareness
16. Role of Government and NGOs
17. Legal Rights of HIV/AIDS Patients
18. Preventive Measures and Awareness Campaigns
19. Real-Life Case Study (Fictionalized for Education)
20. Conclusion and References

Page 3: Introduction

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the most significant global public health concerns,
impacting millions of lives across continents. Caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), AIDS
represents the final and most severe phase of the HIV infection, where the immune system becomes
extremely weak and unable to fight common infections or diseases. Despite great advancements in
medicine and awareness, HIV/AIDS continues to affect individuals physically, emotionally, and socially. The

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aim of this case study is to offer a detailed understanding of the virus, how it spreads, the biological effects
it causes, treatments available, and the importance of social responsibility and prevention. This project is an
effort to inform and encourage youth to engage in healthy, informed decisions and break the stigma
associated with HIV/AIDS.

Page 4: What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is a condition characterized by a severely

weakened immune system, making the body susceptible to a wide range of infections and diseases that it
would normally be able to fight off. AIDS is caused by prolonged infection with the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which damages the CD4 cells (T-helper cells) of the immune system. A person
is said to have AIDS when their CD4 cell count falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood, or they
develop certain opportunistic infections or cancers. Unlike many illnesses, AIDS is not a single disease but a
collection of symptoms and infections resulting from immune system failure. It is important to note that not
everyone with HIV will develop AIDS, especially with early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Page 5: Origin and History of HIV/AIDS

The origin of HIV can be traced back to the early 20th century in Central Africa. Scientists believe that the
virus was transmitted to humans from chimpanzees through hunting and consumption of bush meat. The
chimpanzees carried a virus known as Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), which mutated into HIV in
humans. The first recognized cases of AIDS were reported in the United States in 1981, when rare diseases
like Kaposi’s sarcoma and Pneumocystis pneumonia appeared in young, previously healthy gay men. By
1983, French scientists had identified HIV as the virus that caused AIDS. Since then, the virus has spread
globally, becoming a major pandemic. While early responses were slow and filled with stigma, significant
progress has been made in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. World AIDS Day is now observed every
year on December 1st to raise awareness and show support for people living with HIV.

Page 6: HIV and Its Structure

HIV is a lentivirus, a subgroup of retroviruses, which means it integrates its genetic material into the host
cell’s DNA. The structure of HIV is complex and consists of: - Viral Envelope: A lipid membrane derived from
the host cell, containing proteins gp120 and gp41 that help the virus attach and fuse with target cells. -
Capsid: A cone-shaped protein shell made of p24 that encloses the viral RNA. - Genetic Material: Two
single-stranded RNA molecules that carry the virus’s genetic code. - Enzymes: HIV carries its own enzymes
such as reverse transcriptase (converts RNA to DNA), integrase (integrates viral DNA into host genome), and
protease (helps in assembling new viral particles). HIV primarily targets CD4+ T lymphocytes, which are
critical for initiating the body’s immune responses. Once inside these cells, the virus replicates, eventually
destroying them and weakening the immune system.

Page 7: Transmission of HIV

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HIV is transmitted through the exchange of specific bodily fluids from an infected person, including blood,
semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The primary modes of transmission include: 1.
Unprotected sexual intercourse: Vaginal or anal sex without a condom is the most common way HIV
spreads. 2. Contaminated needles or syringes: Sharing needles during drug use or unsafe medical
practices. 3. Blood transfusion: Receiving infected blood or blood products (rare in countries with safe
screening practices). 4. Mother to child: During pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. HIV is not spread
through air, water, saliva, sweat, tears, insects, or casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing
food.

Page 8: Symptoms of HIV/AIDS

HIV symptoms vary depending on the stage of infection. Often, people with HIV do not experience
symptoms immediately after infection.

Acute Stage (2-4 weeks post-infection): - Fever - Fatigue - Headache - Muscle aches - Swollen lymph nodes
- Skin rash

Chronic Stage: - The virus continues to multiply at low levels. - Many people may not have symptoms for
10+ years.

AIDS Stage: - Rapid weight loss - Chronic diarrhea - Night sweats - Persistent fatigue - Recurrent infections
(e.g., TB, pneumonia) - Skin lesions or cancers (e.g., Kaposi’s sarcoma)

Page 9: Diagnosis and Testing

Early testing and diagnosis are crucial in managing HIV. Common testing methods include: 1. ELISA Test
(Screening): Detects antibodies to HIV. 2. Western Blot Test (Confirmatory): Confirms ELISA results. 3.
Rapid Tests: Give results within minutes. 4. CD4 Cell Count: Indicates the health of the immune system. 5.
Viral Load Test: Measures the amount of HIV in the blood.

Testing can be done at hospitals, clinics, and community centers. Confidentiality is maintained, and pre- and
post-test counseling is often provided. Testing is encouraged for anyone at risk or sexually active without
consistent protection.

Page 10: Stages of HIV Infection

HIV progresses through three major stages:

1. Acute HIV Infection: Occurs 2-4 weeks after infection. High levels of virus are present, and
individuals are highly contagious. Symptoms resemble flu.

2. Clinical Latency (Chronic HIV): Virus is still active but reproduces at low levels. This stage can last a
decade or longer with ART. Individuals may not feel sick but can still transmit HIV.

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 3. AIDS (Final Stage): Without treatment, HIV advances to AIDS. The immune system is badly
damaged, and life-threatening infections and cancers occur. CD4 count falls below 200 cells/mm³.

(Pages 11 to 20 will be similarly expanded—would you like me to continue expanding the rest now?)