Understanding The HIV Virus Structure
The HIV virus structure is a stark difference from other retroviruses. The common cold is caused by a retrovirus but is incomparable to the damage and prognosis of the HIV virus. Upon initial observation, the HIV virus structure looks spherical with roughly a diameter of 120 nm. When compared to a red blood cell, it is 60 times smaller but is still large compared to other virus.
The HIV Virus Structure
The HIV virus structure upon closer inspection has 2 copies of RNA which has the HIV virus’s nine genes. The RNA is protected by a conical shell. The RNAs are also bound to proteins and enzymes that are needed for the development of reverse transcriptase, proteases and ribonucleases which are all needed for the virus’ survival and attack.
Viral Envelope of HIV Virus Structure
The HIV virus structure is further protected by a “viral envelope” which is a bi-layer of fatty molecules. Along the viral envelope are various proteins taken from the host cell and about 70 copies of a complex HIV protein. One of these proteins is a glycoprotein complex that enables the virus to attach effectively and to attack target cells to initiate the viral infectious cycle.
Aside from the CD4 cells or the helper T- cells of the immune system, HIV can also attack macrophages and microglial cells of the brain and spinal cord. Some people may also have some form of resistance to certain strains of HIV while others with a depressed immune system due to a medical condition, taking medications or unhealthy lifestyle can be more vulnerable to develop this disease.
Benefits of Knowing the HIV Virus Structure
Understanding the HIV virus structure can benefit patients and researchers in the quest for developing better treatment for this illness. Here are other advantages of learning the structure of the HIV virus:
- An image of the HIV virus structure can make understanding of the life cycle of the HIV better with a more promising way of determining the virus’ weak points. This is the way many HIV infection and AIDS treatment were developed.
- Learning the structure of the HIV virus may lead to developing new virus management options such as better public education tools, more accessible online information and sites where people can discuss options to treat HIV and AIDS.
- With an image of the HIV virus structure in mind, more and more informative tools may one day be developed to enhance student teaching, public education and many other preventive measures to control HIV.
- Finally, understanding the structures of the HIV virus can better lead to patient adherence to treatment and ultimately controlling this menace once and for all.
At present, there are more than 25 million deaths due to AIDS with 260,000 of that number are innocent children. Better practices to make everyone safe from HIV and AIDS may result from improved education practices and a more vigilant preventive measure that start from the home and also in schools. Through understanding the HIV virus structure and better management plan can this illness may be totally contained.
