AIDS is caused by a virus that damages cells in the body’s immune system. The virus is called what?

AIDS is caused by a virus that damages cells in the body’s immune system. The virus is called what?

• A. Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• B. Herpes Simplex Virus
• C. Hepatitis B Virus
• D. Human Papillomavirus

Answer: (A)

Understanding what damages the immune system helps explain this question. The virus responsible for AIDS is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV. HIV targets and destroys CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for coordinating the body’s immune response. As these cells are reduced, the immune system becomes weakened, making the body vulnerable to infections and illnesses that a healthy immune system could usually resist. Over time, if HIV infection progresses without treatment, it can lead to AIDS, the severe form of immune deficiency. The other viruses listed cause different diseases—herpes simplex virus causes herpes infections, hepatitis B virus affects the liver, and human papillomavirus can lead to warts and certain cancers. They do not cause AIDS.

Understanding what damages the immune system helps explain this question. The virus responsible for AIDS is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV. HIV targets and destroys CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for coordinating the body’s immune response. As these cells are reduced, the immune system becomes weakened, making the body vulnerable to infections and illnesses that a healthy immune system could usually resist. Over time, if HIV infection progresses without treatment, it can lead to AIDS, the severe form of immune deficiency.

The other viruses listed cause different diseases—herpes simplex virus causes herpes infections, hepatitis B virus affects the liver, and human papillomavirus can lead to warts and certain cancers. They do not cause AIDS.