Evidence shows hepatitis C virus is playing major role in AIDS deaths

HIV patients who are coinfected with hepatitis C may be at a greater risk of dying from their hepatitis infection than from untreated HIV, according to research presented at the 41st Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Experts suggested that when an HIV patient's CD4 cell count is greater than 350, it may be a better strategy to first treat the patient for hepatitis C for up to six months and then begin antiretroviral treatment if indicated.