01-08-2009, 10:03 PM
Unfortunately, the HIV/AIDS virus changes its viral coat constantly and rapidly. That means that by the time the body recognizes it and produces antibodies to it, it has already changed and will no longer be affected by any antibodies. That is what AIDS is. AIDS means the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. That is the stage where the immune system, which has been trying to mount an immune response has totally exhausted itself. It is no longer able to produce antibodies (Immunodeficiency) , and so the body becomes a target for ordinary bacteria and some cancers, which were kept in check by the immune system. And that is also why there has been an intensive effort to produce a vaccine, but without success, so far.But, by using modern anti-viral and anti-retroviral drugs, the total amount of virus (the viral load) can be reduced. That allows the immune system to not have to work so hard, and so the patients can still protect themselves against ordinary bacteria.
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