which system of the body does hiv infect

1 answer

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) primarily infects the immune system, specifically targeting CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for the immune response. As the virus destroys these cells, it weakens the immune system, making the body increasingly vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. Over time, if left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely compromised.