Body Defences

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why is AIDS such a serious illness?

                          AIDS is a unique disease because it attacks the immune system that is intended to defend the body against infection. The HIV virus that causes AIDS destroys lymphocytes so the body cannot fight off infection. The HIV virus does not cause the symptoms of the disease, but the body is now defenseless and can be attacked by other disease organisms. Some powerful drugs can now delay the destructive effects of infection by the HIV virus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are bacteria and viruses?

Bacteria and viruses are the most important causes of disease. Bacteria are simple plant-like organisms that can divide very quickly. They cause many common infections such as boils and acne. Viruses are very much smaller, and technically they are not alive at all. They can take over the functioning of an infected cell and turn it into a factory producing millions more viruses. Viruses are responsible for many common diseases such as colds and influenza.

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