AiS Challenge Team Interm Report

 

Team Number: 060

School Name: Shiprock High School

Area of Science: Microbiology

Project Title: Evolution: M184V

 

 


Over the past few months, Team 3 has run into more difficulty than previously anticipated. Our research on Viral Mutation has left us nearly empty handed, and our primary source for information lies upon the internet. Yet… as a team, we have not given up. Our research has just taken off and we've began searching for a specific virus. The virus that we are now studying is known simply as HIV. HIV is also known as a precursor virus to the infamous disease known as Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

The HIV virus originated, primarily in Southern Africa hundreds of years ago. The virus then began infecting a myriad people over the past one hundred years alone. Cases arise each and everyday, which has lead to a world wide epidemic. In the United Kingdom alone there has reported to have been well over 46,000 infections of HIV in the past decade. These infections usually lead to the death of the carrier of the virus. Although the host alone is not the only one that may feel the wrath of the virus, the host's sexual partner or child may also feel the effect. Or die as well, since the disease is highly transmissible through the host's bodily fluids (i.e.: blood, sperm, urine, etc.).

HIV viral hosts may not even know that they have come into contact with the virus. This is what usually leads to their eventual withering. They must have knowledge of the Virus's presence within their body.

-Below is a chart that indicates the symptoms of possible HIV infection.-
Symptoms of HIV Infection
The early and intermediate stages of infection are usually NOT immediately noticeable, but could be one or some of the following.
  • Mild or temporary Flu-Like symptoms.
  • Persistent swollen glands (lymph nodes) in neck, arm-pit(s) and/or groin area
  • Decreased Energy
  • Unexplained weight-loss over about a months time
  • Diarrhea lasting for several weeks
  • A persistent cough that could last for a month
  • Persistent Night-Sweats or Fevers
  • Yeast Infection (IN WOMEN)
  • In order to do this though, the potential host is strongly advised to seek the assistance of a doctor in order to be tested for the virus. If evidence of infection is detected and the test for the virus is positive, this is when the host must (if they wish to survive) take action to slow the HIV virus's evolution. Before it can no longer be controlled and metamorphose into the deadly AIDS virus.

    A way to help the host keep the HIV virus under control is by taking a medication. Medications such as HIV protease inhibitors and mineral supplements, like Colloidal Silver, can help neutralize the evolution of the Virus and counter-act the Virus's mutation. However, a cure has yet but been developed by scientists and researchers to counter effect and destroy this life threatening biological hazard.


    Team Members

    Team Mail

    Sponsoring Teacher(s)

    Project Mentor(s)