HIV and Immunity

• The body’s health is defined by its immune system.
• White blood cells, specifically lymphocytes (B-cells and T-cells), protect the body from pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.
• When pathogens are detected, B-cells and T-cells are activated to defend the body.
• HIV affects helper T-cells, where the virus multiplies, eventually killing these cells.
• As T-cells die, the body’s ability to defend against infections weakens, making individuals with HIV vulnerable to other infections, such as TB and hepatitis.