Immunology and HIV Read the following passage concerning HIV transmission and the human body's response to infection, answering the questions on your worksheet. HIV cannot penetrate unbroken skin. HIV is transmitted through direct exchange of body fluids.
Sexual intercourse is the most common mode of transmission.
Infected mothers can pass HIV to their infants during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. Additional information about HIV transmission HIV transmitted through sexual activity enters the bloodstream via mucous membranes lining the vagina, rectum and mouth. Macrophages on the surface of mucous membranes bind virus and shuttle it into the lymph nodes, which contain high concentrations of Helper T cell. All rights reserved. Used and adapted with permission.