Persistent GB virus C infection and survival in HIV-infected men
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.GB virus C (GBV-C) viremia is linked to better survival in HIV-positive men years after infection. Loss of GBV-C RNA indicates a poorer prognosis, highlighting its complex role in HIV progression.
Area Of Science
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background
- GB virus C (GBV-C) replicates in lymphocytes and may inhibit HIV replication.
- Previous studies suggested GBV-C is associated with reduced mortality in HIV-positive individuals, but lacked control for infection duration.
- GBV-C is not known to be pathogenic in humans.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the association between GBV-C infection and survival in HIV-positive men.
- To determine if GBV-C status over time impacts prognosis in individuals with HIV.
Main Methods
- Evaluated 271 HIV-positive men from the Multicenter Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Cohort Study.
- Assessed GBV-C viremia and E2 antibody status 12-18 months (early visit) and 5-6 years (late visit) post-HIV seroconversion.
- Used reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Main Results
- GBV-C infection (viremia or antibody) was detected in 85% of men at the early visit.
- Only one participant acquired GBV-C viremia between visits; 9% cleared GBV-C RNA.
- Absence of GBV-C RNA at 5-6 years post-HIV seroconversion was linked to a 2.78-fold increased mortality risk.
- Loss of GBV-C RNA by 5-6 years was associated with the poorest prognosis (HR 5.87).
Conclusions
- GBV-C viremia is associated with prolonged survival in HIV-positive men 5-6 years after seroconversion, but not at 12-18 months.
- Loss of GBV-C RNA by 5-6 years post-HIV seroconversion indicates a significantly worse prognosis.
- Further research into GBV-C and HIV interactions may elucidate HIV disease progression mechanisms.