SKNS PMC VIVEKANANDA
VIDYALAYA JUNIOR COLLEGE
BIOLOGY INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
(2025-26)
PROJECT TOPIC :
AIDS
SUBMITTED BY:
NAME:D.SHASHIKIRAN
CLASS:XII-A
ROLL NO:12128
Smt. Kasturba Nimchand Shah P.
Muthyalu Chetty Vivekananda Vidyalaya
Junior College
unit of vivekananda educational society (Regd)
125, Thulasingam street, Perambur, Chennai - 600 011.
Email: sknspmcvv@gmail.com ph: 23452124, 23452125
Department of Biology
BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that this project work, has been done by
of class XII in the Smt
Kasturba Nimchand Shah P Muthayalu Chetty Vivekananda
Vidyalaya Junior College , Perambur , Chennai - 11
During the year 2025 - 2026
Dated: Principal Staff Incharge
Submitted for (All India Senior Secondary Certificate
Examination) BIOLOGY PRACTICAL EXAMINATION held
On at Smt Kasturba Nimchand Shah P
Muthayalu Chetty Vivekananda Vidyalaya Junior College
Perambur , Chennai - 600 011
Internal Examiner External Examiner
Dated: School Seal
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I, hereby place my humble obeisance to our Honourable
Correspondent Sri.K.E.Srinivasan,, for equipping us with
exemplary infrastructure and laboratory amenities. In light of
this fact, I also take the privilege of thanking our respected
Principal Smt.K.Subasri, for her able support.
The colourful project as it seems, is but the product of the
inspiration enthusiasm and guidance, provided by our Biology
Teacher Smt.T.V.Valsala , to whom , I owe a lot. In this regard,
I also pay my reverent homage to our Librarian and lab assistant
with whose help and assistance, I have been able to fabricate this
present project.
I also clinch this opportunity to thank my parents and friends
who have served as the backbone, in the completion of the
project.
The supreme God has enabled me to complete this project in a
sound manner and I offer him tribute with submission.
INTRODUCTION
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is one of
the most studied and significant health conditions of the
20th and 21st centuries. It is caused by the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a virus that specifically
attacks the immune system. This investigatory project
provides an in-depth understanding of AIDS, its history,
biology, transmission, prevention, treatment, social impact,
global statistics, and the role of organizations working to
control it.. AIDS is not merely a biological disease; it is a
global issue affecting millions physically, mentally, socially,
and economically. Over decades, researchers, scientists,
healthcare workers, and governments have worked
rigorously to reduce its impact.
HISTORY OF HIV/AIDS
The exact origin of HIV is believed to be from Central
Africa, where it crossed over from chimpanzees to humans
(a process known as zoonosis). HIV was first identified in
the early 1980s when doctors in the United States noticed
unusual infections in young men.
Key historical milestones:
• 1981 – First official report of AIDS cases.
• 1983 – HIV identified as the virus responsible for AIDS.
• 1985 – First HIV antibody test became available.
• 1996 – Introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral
Therapy (HAART).
• 2003 – WHO launches global antiretroviral treatment
program.
• 2010 onwards – Increased global awareness, mother-to-
child prevention, and reduction in new infections.
HIV/AIDS has shaped global public health responses and
improved scientific research on viruses and immunity.
BIOLOGY OF HIV
HIV is a retrovirus of the family Retroviridae. Its genetic
material is RNA, and it uses reverse transcriptase to replicate.
Structure of HIV:
• Spherical enveloped virus
• Contains viral RNA
• Reverse transcriptase enzyme
• Lipid envelope derived from the host cell
• Surface proteins (gp120 and gp41) help in attachment and
fusion
Target Cells: HIV mainly attacks:
• CD4
• T-lymphocytes (helper T-cells)
• Macrophages
• Dendritic cells
HIV weakens the immune system, leading to increased risk
of infections known as opportunistic infections.
MODES OF TRANSMISSION
HIV transmission occurs only through specific routes:
1. Sexual Transmission
2. Blood and Blood Products
3. Sharing Needles or Syringes
4. Mother-to-Child Transmission
5. Occupational Exposure
6. HIV does NOT spread through:
• Casual touch
• Air, food, or water
• Mosquito bites
• Sharing utensils or toilets
Understanding transmission is essential to prevent fear,
stigma, and misconceptions surrounding the disease.
SYMPTOMS AND STAGES
HIV infection develops in multiple stages:
1. Acute Stage: Occurs 2–6 weeks after infection. Symptoms:
Fever, rash, lymph node swelling, body pain.
2. Clinical Latency Stage: Virus multiplies slowly; person
may remain symptomless for years.
3. Symptomatic HIV Infection: Immune system weakens,
leading to fungal infections, weight loss, tuberculosis, etc.
4. AIDS Stage: CD4 count falls below 200 and severe
infections appear.
Opportunistic infections include:
• Tuberculosis
• Pneumocystis pneumonia
• Candidiasis
• Kaposi’s sarcoma
LIFE CYCLE OF HIV
The HIV life cycle includes:
1. Attachment
2. Fusion
3. Reverse Transcription
4. Integration into Host DNA
5. Replication
6. Assembly
7. Budding Each step helps scientists develop targeted drugs
called antiretrovirals.
PREVENTION
Preventive measures include:
• Safe sex practices (use of condoms)
• Screening of blood before transfusion
• Sterile needles and syringes
• Prevention of mother-to-child transmission using ART
• Awareness campaigns and counseling
Prevention also includes reducing stigma, promoting testing,
and educating youth.
TREATMENT
There is no cure for AIDS, but Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
helps control HIV and allows individuals to live normal
lives.Types of ART drugs:
• NRTIs
• NNRTIs
• Protease inhibitors
• Integrase inhibitors
• Entry/fusion inhibitors
ART reduces viral load, increases CD4 count, prevents
opportunistic infections, and reduces transmission risk.
GLOBAL AND INDIAN STATISTICS
Globally, millions live with HIV, but new infections have
reduced significantly due to awareness and treatment.
India has undertaken massive awareness campaigns through
NACO, free ART centers, and community support programs.
This section describes trends, impacts, and the demographic
distribution of HIV/AIDS worldwide.
SOCIAL IMPACT AND STIGMA
HIV/AIDS causes social, emotional, and psychological
challenges.
People with HIV often face:
• Discrimination
• Isolation
• Mental stress
• Difficulty in employment Reducing stigma is essential to
encourage early testing and treatment.
CONCLUSION
AIDS remains a major public health issue but can be
controlled through awareness, preventive practices,
scientific treatment, and social support.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
•NCERT Biology Class XII
• WHO – HIV/AIDS factsheets
• UNAIDS Global Reports
• NACO – National AIDS Control Organisation
