Pathogen Transmission Cycle

HIV is a microbiological virus that targets the body's CD4 cells - an important T-cell type in the immune response system. Although it developed from SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus), HIV infects humans specifically of any age, gender, sexuality, race, etc. Because HIV is an RNA virus, it is said to evolve "approximately 1 million times faster than human DNA, (1)." RNA viruses like this can evolve so quickly because they are prone to mutations; their genetic make-up is a single stranded helix and leaves much, much more room for coding error. If left untreated, the HIV virus can rapidly reduce the number of CD4 cells and cause the immune system to go through the stages of HIV infection to AIDS - Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. These connections of infected cells can travel through the bloodstream and genital fluids, are transmitted, and the cycle continues. Methods of prevention consist of protected/safe sex, no sharing needles, and avoid risky behaviors. [1] http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20151119-we-know-the-city-where-hiv-first-infected-a-human