Which statement about HIV is true based on the material?

• A. HIV is an STD that attacks and weakens the immune system.
• B. HIV is a parasite that causes digestive problems.
• C. HIV is a bacterial infection that affects the skin.
• D. HIV can be cured with a single antibiotic.

Answer: (A)

HIV is a virus that attacks and weakens the immune system. It targets the body's CD4 T cells, which helps explain why infection with HIV can undermine the body's defenses and lead to increased susceptibility to other illnesses. This virus is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, as well as through sharing needles or from mother to child, which is why it’s described in many materials as an STD. It is not a parasite that causes digestive problems, and it is not a bacterial skin infection. Antibiotics target bacteria, not viruses, so HIV cannot be cured with a single antibiotic. There is no cure yet, but antiretroviral therapy can suppress the virus, helping the immune system recover and allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives.