Developing an AIDS Vaccine Is Not Impossible, as Some Skeptics

question 205

Multiple Choice

Developing an AIDS vaccine is not impossible, as some skeptics claim. Research suggests that the human immune system is better at fighting HIV than was originally thought. Most of those infected suppress the virus for years without developing AIDS. A small number never contract the virus despite repeated exposures. If we can figure out the mechanism that accounts for this, we'll have clues about how to engineer a vaccine. Seth Berkley, "Don't Quit on an AIDS Vaccine"

• A) Argument; conclusion: If we can figure out the mechanism ... engineer a vaccine.
• B) Nonargument.
• C) Argument; conclusion: Most of those infected ... without developing AIDS.
• D) Argument; conclusion: Research suggests ... than was originally thought.
• E) Argument; conclusion: Developing an AIDS vaccine ... skeptics claim.

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Definitions:

Embryo

Describes the early stage of development in multicellular organisms after fertilization and before fetal stage, in humans, it covers the first eight weeks of development post-conception.

Rh Incompatibility

A condition that arises during pregnancy if an Rh-negative mother's immune system reacts against Rh-positive baby blood cells.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system that recognize, bind to, and help neutralize foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses.

Thalidomide

A medication once used during pregnancy that led to severe birth defects, now used under strict controls for some diseases, including multiple myeloma and certain skin conditions.