Hepatitis C in the setting of HIV co-infection

• Published in: Microbes and infection 2002-10, Vol.4 (12), p.1247-1251
• Main Authors: Khalili, Mandana, Behm, Brian W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antiviral Agents - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Co-infection; Hepatitis C; Hepatitis C - complications; Hepatitis C - drug therapy; Hepatitis C - epidemiology; Hepatitis C - mortality; Hepatitis C treatment; HIV; HIV Infections - complications; HIV Infections - drug therapy; HIV Infections - epidemiology; HIV Infections - mortality; Human viral diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Interferon; Interferons - therapeutic use; Medical sciences; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the lymphoid tissue and the blood. Aids; Viral hepatitis
• ISSN: 1286-4579; 1769-714X
• DOI: 10.1016/S1286-4579(02)01652-0

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection is common among HIV-infected individuals and can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in this population. HIV adversely impacts the natural history of HCV disease with higher rates of liver disease progression but the effect of HCV on the natural history of HIV is disputed. Additionally, presence of HCV may decrease tolerability of highly active antiretroviral regimens for HIV treatment due to a potential increase in hepatotoxicity. Currently there is limited information available regarding HCV therapy in the setting of HIV co-infection but the HCV virologic response to interferon regimens appears to be similar to those individuals with HCV infection alone. However, additional information is required to assess the efficacy and safety of HCV therapy including possible interaction of HCV and HIV anti-viral medications in these co-infected individuals.