How does HIV make it harder for the body to fight infection?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) primarily infects and progressively weakens the immune system, specifically CD4+ T cells (helper T cells), which play a crucial role in defending against infections. HIV targets and destroys these T cells, leading to a weakened immune system known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Here's how HIV makes it harder for the body to fight infection:

1. CD4+ T Cell Depletion: HIV primarily infects and destroys CD4+ T cells, reducing their count and weakening the body's ability to mount an effective immune response against pathogens. CD4+ T cells are essential in coordinating immune responses, including the activation of other immune cells and antibody production. With a lower CD4+ T cell count, the body is less capable of recognizing and fighting off infections.

2. Impaired Immune Function: The depletion of CD4+ T cells disrupts the normal functioning of the immune system. It hampers the body's ability to produce antibodies, which are proteins that help neutralize and clear pathogens. Additionally, the weakened immune system is less efficient in detecting and destroying infected cells, allowing infections to spread and persist.

3. Increased Susceptibility to Opportunistic Infections: As the immune system becomes progressively compromised due to HIV infection, the body becomes more susceptible to a wide range of opportunistic infections. These infections are caused by pathogens that usually do not pose a significant threat to individuals with healthy immune systems. Opportunistic infections associated with HIV include Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), Kaposi's sarcoma, cryptococcal meningitis, and cytomegalovirus (CMV).

4. Reactivation of Latent Infections: HIV can also reactivate latent infections that may have been dormant in the body before infection. Latent infections like tuberculosis (TB) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) can become active and cause severe illnesses in individuals with weakened immunity due to HIV.

5. Immune Dysregulation: HIV infection can lead to immune dysregulation, where the immune system becomes unbalanced. This can result in excessive inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and an overall diminished ability to fight off infections effectively.

It is important to note that the progression of HIV and its impact on the immune system can vary among individuals, depending on factors such as viral load, genetic variability, and access to proper medical care and treatment. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a crucial treatment that helps suppress HIV replication, slow down the progression of the disease, and restore immune function, thereby reducing the risk of opportunistic infections and improving overall health outcomes in individuals living with HIV.