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Question #45580
The Question
In a specific demographic, public health indicators like Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) show unexpected stagnation despite high rates of institutional deliveries. Surveillance reveals a high prevalence of an undiagnosed retroviral infection in pregnant women. Regarding the cellular pathogenesis of this virus and its clinical management to prevent vertical transmission, which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The virus utilizes maternal macrophages as an 'HIV factory,' where its RNA genome is reverse-transcribed into viral DNA that integrates into the host cell's genome.
- B.
The stagnation in MMR is primarily driven by a progressive decline in CD4+ T-lymphocytes, rendering the maternal immune system susceptible to opportunistic infections like Mycobacterium and Toxoplasma.
- C.
Early antenatal screening using ELISA allows for the administration of antiretroviral drugs, which successfully excise the integrated viral DNA (provirus) from the maternal host genome, thereby preventing vertical transmission.
- D.
The principle of the primary diagnostic test (ELISA) used for this screening relies on detecting either the viral antigens or the specific antibodies synthesized by the maternal immune system against the pathogen.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
HIV_Replication_Cycle|ELISA_Logic|Public_Health_Indicators
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often confuse 'preventing viral replication/transmission' with 'curing the infection'.
While Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) effectively reduces the viral load to undetectable levels (preventing vertical transmission to the infant), it cannot excise the provirus from the host's DNA.
The trap relies on the absolute phrase 'successfully excise the integrated viral DNA', testing the student's understanding of retroviral integration versus viral replication inhibition.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Reproductive Health - Class 12 |
| Concept | Public Health Indicators |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |