UPSC Prelims 2003 Q92: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
Consider the following conditions of sick human body
1. Swollen lymph nodes
2. Sweating at night
3. Loss of memory
4. Loss of weight
Which of these are the symptoms of AIDS?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2, 3 and 4
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Symptoms of AIDS
| Condition | AIDS symptom? |
|---|---|
| Swollen lymph nodes | Yes |
| Night sweats | Yes |
| Loss of memory | Yes — neurological symptoms |
| Loss of weight | Yes |
All four are recognised symptoms of AIDS: the HIV infection weakens the immune system, causing swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, loss of weight and neurological problems such as loss of memory.
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Loss of memory and weight are also symptoms.
- (b) Incorrect. Swollen lymph nodes are also a symptom.
- (c) Incorrect. Weight loss is also a symptom.
- (d) CORRECT. All four are symptoms of AIDS.
Key point
AIDS: HIV destroys CD4 T-cells; symptoms include fever, weight loss, night sweats, swollen glands.
Remember
Swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, memory loss and weight loss are symptoms of AIDS.
Common mistakes
- Dropping memory loss as unrelated.
- Thinking weight loss is not a symptom.
- Confusing HIV infection with AIDS disease.
Exam tip
ELISA and Western blot tests detect HIV.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII Biology — Human Health and Disease
- World Health Organization — HIV/AIDS fact sheet