Question

The approximate time interval between HIV infection and the manifestation of AIDS is:

• A. 7.5 years
• B. 10 years
• C. 12 years
• D. 11 years

Hint:

Recall the classic decade-long latency of untreated HIV.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: After initial HIV infection there is a long clinical latency period during which the virus slowly depletes CD4 T-cells while the patient remains relatively asymptomatic.

Step 2: In an untreated person, the average incubation time from infection to the development of AIDS is about 10 years.

Step 3: The other intervals (7.5, 11 and 12 years) are not the standard quoted figure, so 10 years is the correct answer.