What is the primary effect of HIV/AIDS on the body?

The primary effect of HIV/AIDS on the body is as a disease of the immune system. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) specifically targets and attacks the immune system, particularly the CD4 cells (T cells), which play a crucial role in the body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases. Over time, as the virus continues to replicate and destroy these immune cells, the body becomes increasingly vulnerable to a variety of opportunistic infections and diseases, which can lead to the progression of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). This compromised immune response makes individuals more susceptible to conditions that a healthy immune system could ordinarily manage effectively.

While the virus can have secondary effects on various systems in the body due to the weakened immune response, its primary and most significant impact is on the immune system itself. Other options may describe potential consequences or related health issues stemming from HIV/AIDS, but they do not capture the core characteristic of the disease as fundamentally impacting immune function.