Massachusetts State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What is the virus responsible for causing acquired immune deficiency syndrome?

1. Hepatitis B

2. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

3. Influenza virus

4. Herpes simplex virus

The correct answer is: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

The virus responsible for causing acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus attacks and weakens the immune system by specifically targeting CD4 T cells, which are crucial for the body’s defense against infections and diseases. As HIV progresses without treatment, it can lead to AIDS, where the immune system becomes severely compromised, making the individual susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. Understanding the specifics of HIV is essential for estheticians because they often work in environments that require knowledge of infectious diseases to ensure client safety and adhere to health regulations. Other viruses mentioned do not cause AIDS; hepatitis B primarily affects the liver, influenza causes respiratory illness, and herpes simplex virus leads to sores and infections, but none of these viruses attack the immune system in the way that HIV does. This distinction is critical in clinical practices, including those in esthetics, where maintaining client health is paramount.