How does the retrovirus replicate in the human body and interfere with its immune system? How can it be diagnosed and treated?

Virus enters into macrophages.

Viral RNA replicates to form viral DNA with the help of reverse transcriptase.

Viral DNA gets incorporated into host DNA.

Directs infected cells to produce virus particles.

Macrophages act as a HIV factory.

HIV enters into helper T lymphocytes , replicates and produces progeny viruses.

Progeny released in the blood attack more T lymphocytes leading to progressive decrease in helper T lymphocytes .

Person suffers from bouts of Fever, diarrhoea & weight loss.

Due to decrease in the number of helper T lymphocytes, the person starts suffering from infections that could have been otherwise overcome such as those due to bacteria especially Mycobacterium, viruses, fungi and even parasites like Toxoplasma.The patient becomes so immuno-deficient that he/she is unable to protect himself/herself against these infections.

Diagnosed by, enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) & treated by Anti – retroviral drugs.