Related Experiment Videos

Hepatitis B and C in the context of HIV disease: implications for incarcerated populations

A C Spaulding1, M Lally, J D Rich

  • 1Rhode Island Department of Corrections, Cranston, Rhode Island, USA.

The AIDS Reader
|May 10, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Many incarcerated individuals have HIV and hepatitis B or C. This review discusses how these co-infections impact disease and offers treatment guidelines for hepatitis C in HIV-infected inmates.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • The incarcerated population experiences high rates of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
  • Coinfection with viral hepatitis, specifically Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), is common among HIV-infected inmates.
  • Understanding the burden of HIV in correctional facilities requires acknowledging the significant impact of viral hepatitis coinfections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the current burden of HIV coinfection with viral hepatitis in the incarcerated population.
  • To elucidate the impact of HIV on the natural history of viral hepatitis, particularly chronic Hepatitis C.
  • To provide guidelines for selecting appropriate candidates for treatment among coinfected inmates.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on HIV and viral hepatitis coinfection in correctional settings.
  • Analysis of the impact of HIV on the progression of chronic Hepatitis C.
  • Development of clinical guidelines for treatment selection in coinfected individuals.

Main Results:

  • HIV significantly alters the course of viral hepatitis, especially chronic Hepatitis C.
  • Chronic viral hepatitis does not appear to accelerate HIV disease progression.
  • Guidelines are proposed for optimizing treatment decisions in coinfected inmates.

Conclusions:

  • HIV coinfection presents a complex challenge within the incarcerated population.
  • Management strategies must consider the interplay between HIV and viral hepatitis.
  • Targeted treatment guidelines are essential for improving outcomes in coinfected inmates.

Related Concept Videos

Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...