Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

21. The Immune System

Immune Tolerance

Anatomy & Physiology

21. The Immune System

Immune Tolerance

Previous problemNext problem

4:10 minutes

Problem 27

Textbook Question

Caroline, a pregnant 29-year-old, has been HIV-positive for at least 10 years, dating back to when she was homeless and injecting heroin. While she currently has no symptoms of AIDS, she is taking several medications and is worried about the possibility that her baby might be infected. How do you think the HIV virus might be transferred from a mother to her offspring? Which of Caroline’s cells are infected by the virus, and why is the viral attack on these cells so devastating? Why is Caroline taking medication even though she has no symptoms?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand how HIV can be transmitted from mother to offspring: HIV can be transferred during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The virus can cross the placenta or be present in breast milk, exposing the baby to infection.

Identify the cells infected by HIV: HIV primarily targets CD4+ T cells, which are a type of white blood cell crucial for the immune system. These cells are infected because HIV binds to the CD4 receptor on their surface, allowing the virus to enter and replicate.

Explain why the viral attack on CD4+ T cells is devastating: CD4+ T cells play a central role in coordinating the immune response. Their destruction leads to a weakened immune system, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and diseases, which is characteristic of AIDS.

Discuss why Caroline is taking medication despite having no symptoms: HIV medications, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), help suppress the viral load in her body, preventing the progression to AIDS and reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to her baby. Maintaining a low viral load is critical for her health and the baby's safety.

Highlight the importance of medical management during pregnancy: Caroline's healthcare team will monitor her viral load and adjust her medications as needed to minimize the risk of transmission to the baby. Proper prenatal care and adherence to ART are essential for reducing the likelihood of vertical transmission.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Vertical Transmission of HIV

Vertical transmission refers to the transfer of HIV from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The virus can cross the placenta during pregnancy, infecting the fetus, or be transmitted during delivery through contact with infected bodily fluids. Understanding this concept is crucial for assessing the risks and implementing preventive measures to protect the newborn.

Infected Cells in HIV

HIV primarily targets CD4+ T cells, which are essential components of the immune system. The virus binds to the CD4 receptor and co-receptors on these cells, leading to their destruction and impairing the body's ability to fight infections. This devastation is significant because it compromises the immune response, making the individual more susceptible to opportunistic infections and diseases.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a treatment regimen for individuals living with HIV that helps manage the virus and prevent the progression to AIDS. Even in the absence of symptoms, ART is crucial as it reduces viral load, lowers the risk of transmission to others, and protects the immune system. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining health and preventing complications during pregnancy.

Watch next

Master Immune Tolerance with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

On which type(s) of cells are class I MHC molecules located?

a. Antigen-presenting cells only

b. B cells only

c. All nucleated body cells

d. Antigen-presenting cells and B cells

523

views

Textbook Question

Class I MHC molecules display_____antigens and activate_____cells. Class II MHC molecules display _____antigens and activate_____cells.

426

views

Textbook Question

The cell type most often invaded by HIV is a(n)

a. Eosinophil

b. Cytotoxic T cell

c. Natural killer cell

d. Helper T cell

e. B cell.

views

Textbook Question

The cell type most often invaded by HIV is a(n):

a. Eosinophil

b. Cytotoxic T cell

c. Natural killer cell

d. Helper T cell

e. B cell

views

Textbook Question

Which of the following is/are examples of autoimmune disease?

a. Type 1 diabetes

b. Multiple sclerosis

c. Graves’ disease

d. Rheumatoid arthritis

views

Textbook Question

Skin tests are used to determine if a person

(a) Has an active infection

(b) Has been exposed to a particular antigen

(d) Has measles

(e) Can produce antibodies

views

Textbook Question

While walking along the street, you and your friend see an elderly woman whose left arm appears to be swollen to several times its normal size. Your friend wonders aloud what might be its cause. You say that it may be likely that the woman had a radical mastectomy (the removal of a breast because of cancer). Explain the rationale behind your answer.

views

Textbook Question

Willy is allergic to ragweed pollen and tells you that he read about a medication that can help his condition by blocking certain antibodies. Do you think that this treatment could help Willy? Explain.

views

Show more practices

Download the Mobile app

Privacy

Do not sell my personal information

Accessibility

Patent notice

Sitemap