Which of the following properties of HIV makes it difficult to trace the source of the virus from one person to the next?
A) The transmission of the virus involves very few (often just one) viral particles.
B) HIV evolves very slowly within the host.
C) The host can have a genetically diverse population of viruses.
D) Molecular phylogenies of viruses cannot be constructed.
E) None of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The host can have a genetically diverse population of viruses. HIV has a high mutation rate and can rapidly accumulate genetic diversity within a single infected individual, resulting in a diverse population of viral variants. This makes it difficult to trace the source of the virus from one person to the next.

Which of the Following Properties of HIV Makes It Difficult