Final answer:
True, HIV does destroy white blood cells, specifically CD4+ T cells, leading to a weakened immune system that cannot effectively produce antibodies or fight off infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, some pathogens, such as HIV, can destroy white blood cells (WBCs). The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) specifically infects and kills CD4+ T cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's immune response. Over time, the destruction of these cells by HIV undermines the immune system's ability to fight off infections and pathogens.
The reduced number of white blood cells leads to immunodeficiency, making HIV patients more susceptible to infections. The loss of CD4+ T cells impairs the immune system because these cells are necessary for the activation and maturation of B cells, which are responsible for antibody synthesis. Therefore, as HIV advances and reduces the population of T cells, the body's ability to produce antibodies is compromised, increasing the risk of opportunistic infections and illnesses.