Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Two Methods of Heterokaryon Formation to Discover HCV Restriction Factors
16:49

Two Methods of Heterokaryon Formation to Discover HCV Restriction Factors

Published on: July 16, 2012

The challenge of hepatitis C in the HIV-infected person

David L Thomas1

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.

Annual Review of Medicine
|January 12, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection affects a quarter of HIV-infected individuals, leading to liver disease as a major cause of death. Understanding how HIV impacts HCV is crucial for effective treatment and management.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is prevalent in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected populations.
  • HCV-related liver disease is a leading cause of mortality in coinfected individuals, particularly with reduced opportunistic infections due to antiretroviral therapy.
  • The complex interplay between HIV and HCV complicates disease progression and treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the context of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) coinfection.
  • To explore the epidemiology, natural history, treatment strategies, and pathogenesis of HCV in HIV-infected individuals.
  • To highlight the knowledge gaps and challenges in managing coinfection due to the lack of experimental models and incomplete understanding of pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article, synthesizing existing research and clinical data.
  • The review examines epidemiological data on HCV/HIV coinfection prevalence.
  • It analyzes the impact of HIV on the natural history and treatment of HCV, and discusses pathogenetic mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • HCV coinfection significantly impacts the course of HIV infection and vice versa.
  • HCV-related liver disease has become a primary cause of death in coinfected patients.
  • The precise mechanisms by which HIV alters HCV pathogenesis remain unclear.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection presents unique challenges in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected individuals.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of coinfection and develop optimized treatment strategies.
  • Effective management of HCV in HIV-positive patients is critical for improving long-term survival and quality of life.

More Related Videos

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication13:04

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication

Published on: June 26, 2014

"Liver-on-a-Chip" Cultures of Primary Hepatocytes and Kupffer Cells for Hepatitis B Virus Infection10:25

"Liver-on-a-Chip" Cultures of Primary Hepatocytes and Kupffer Cells for Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Published on: February 19, 2019

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug binding...
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...
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...
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...