Massachusetts State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Massachusetts State Board Esthetics Test with in-depth study resources. Utilize flashcards and engaging multiple choice questions, each designed with hints and explanations for optimal exam readiness.

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What infection is characterized by the breakdown of the body’s immune system?

AIDS
COVID-19
SARS
Chickenpox

The correct answer is: AIDS

The condition characterized by the breakdown of the body’s immune system is AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). This is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which attacks the body's immune cells, specifically the CD4 T lymphocytes, leading to a gradual deterioration of the immune system. As a result, individuals with AIDS become more susceptible to opportunistic infections and diseases that the body would normally be able to fight off. In contrast, COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which primarily affects the respiratory system and can lead to severe respiratory illness, but it does not systematically break down the immune system in the same manner as HIV. Similarly, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is also a viral respiratory illness caused by a different coronavirus, and while it can cause severe symptoms, it does not result in the chronic immune system failure associated with AIDS. Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which can lead to a temporary immune response but does not lead to the overall breakdown of the immune system like AIDS does.