Immune Suppression Increases Malaria Susceptibility

Steps:

• HIV/AIDS targets CD4+ T-cells, weakening overall immunity.
• Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, relies on immune clearance for control.
• Compromised immunity allows higher parasite loads and frequent infections.
• This explains elevated malaria incidence in HIV-positive individuals.

Why D is correct:

• HIV/AIDS depletes CD4+ T-cells, suppressing adaptive immune responses that normally limit malaria parasitemia, per immunological definitions of immunosuppression.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Blood transmission is coincidental but does not cause increased malaria occurrence.
• B: Malaria parasites infect red blood cells, not T-lymphocytes; HIV's effect is indirect via immunity loss.
• C: Not enough information (option blank).

Final answer: D