What is AIDS? Which microbe is responsible for AIDS infection? State one mode of transmission of this disease. Explain in brief one measure for the prevention of AIDS.
What is AIDS? Which microbe is responsible for AIDS infection? State one mode of transmission of this disease. Explain in brief one measure for the prevention of AIDS.
1. What is AIDS and its causative microbe?
- AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome.
- The microbe responsible for AIDS is HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), which is a virus.
2. Mode of Transmission:
AIDS can be transmitted through:
- Sexual contact with an infected person.
- (Other modes include: sharing infected needles/syringes, transfusion of contaminated blood, or from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy/breastfeeding).
3. Prevention Measure:
- Use of barrier methods: Using condoms during sexual intercourse prevents the transmission of the virus from an infected partner.
- Safe injection practices: Using only sterile, disposable needles and syringes prevents blood-borne transmission.
Marking Scheme
- 1Full form of AIDS and naming HIV (virus) (0.5 marks each) (1 mark)
- 2Stating one correct mode of transmission (1 mark)
- 3Explaining one correct prevention measure (1 mark)
Hint
Expand the acronym AIDS, identify the virus that causes it, think about how body fluids are exchanged, and name a barrier method that blocks this exchange.
Quick Oral Answer
AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, and can be prevented by using condoms during intercourse.
Analysis & Explanation
AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that severely damages the human immune system, making the body vulnerable to various life-threatening infections.
- It is caused by the retrovirus HIV.
- Because HIV is present in bodily fluids like blood, semen, and vaginal secretions, it is primarily transmitted via unprotected sexual intercourse or direct blood-to-blood contact (such as sharing needles).
- Prevention relies heavily on avoiding exposure to these fluids, most effectively achieved by using barrier methods like condoms during sex and ensuring medical equipment is sterile.
Common Mistakes
- 1Writing AIDS as a bacterial disease instead of viral.
- 2Confusing casual physical contact (like shaking hands or hugging) as a mode of transmission, which is incorrect as HIV does not spread through casual contact.
Interesting Facts
HIV attacks helper T-cells (CD4 cells), which are crucial coordinators of our immune system, effectively turning the body's defense system against itself.
Spotted a mistake or something unclear?
Tell us — we fix reported answers fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2012?
This question carries 3 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "How do Organisms Reproduce?" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Reproductive Health" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 paper.