Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice
07:25

Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice

Published on: September 25, 2019

Treatment of hepatitis C in HIV-coinfected patients

Christine A Hughes1, Stephen D Shafran

  • 1Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, HIV, Capital Health Region, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. christine.hughes@ualberta.ca

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|March 2, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin shows lower sustained virologic response rates in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Careful consideration of risks versus benefits is crucial for managing HCV/HIV coinfection.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antiviral Therapy

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection accelerates liver disease progression in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • Managing HCV/HIV coinfection presents unique challenges due to potential drug interactions and increased risks of adverse events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current management strategies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of antiviral therapies for HCV in the context of HIV coinfection.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE (1966-February 2006) was performed using keywords related to HIV, HCV, and antiviral therapies.
  • Included studies focused on HCV treatment outcomes and management of HCV/HIV coinfection, supplemented by review of article bibliographies and conference abstracts.

Main Results:

  • HCV treatment with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin yields sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of 27-40% in coinfected individuals, lower than in HCV monoinfection.
  • HCV genotype 1 and increased risks of myelosuppression, drug interactions, and hepatotoxicity complicate treatment in HIV-positive patients.
  • Current guidelines recommend considering anti-HCV therapy for all HIV-positive patients with chronic HCV infection due to elevated risk of liver disease progression.

Conclusions:

  • Treatment response to PEG-IFN and ribavirin is diminished in HCV/HIV coinfected patients compared to HCV monoinfected patients.
  • The benefits of HCV treatment, including viral eradication, must be carefully balanced against potential adverse effects and drug-drug interactions with antiretroviral medications.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus06:28

Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus

Published on: October 1, 2015

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...
Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
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...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis01:30

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment01:08

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment

Hepatic impairment, characterized by decreased liver function, does not uniformly mandate adjustments in drug dosage. Whether dosage modifications are necessary depends on various factors related to the drug's metabolism and elimination pathways. If a drug is primarily excreted via the kidneys and bypasses significant hepatic processing, if it undergoes minimal metabolic transformation in the liver, or if it is volatile and primarily expelled through the lungs, dose adjustments may not be...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care01:29

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care

The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment: