Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
04:11

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

Published on: December 15, 2023

The burden of HIV and hepatitis C virus coinfection

Massimo Puoti1, Daniela Manno, Paola Nasta

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.

Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS
|April 18, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus coinfection is common in people with HIV, particularly in Europe and the USA. Mandatory screening and management are recommended, with ongoing research into optimal treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is a significant concern for individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • Understanding the epidemiology and natural history of HCV in HIV-infected populations is crucial for effective management.
  • Recent advancements in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have impacted outcomes for coinfected individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent data on the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in persons with HIV.
  • To examine the natural history of HCV infection among HIV-coinfected individuals.
  • To inform clinical practice and public health strategies for managing HCV/HIV coinfection.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of recent epidemiological and clinical data.
  • Analysis of prevalence, incidence, and outcomes of HCV in HIV-infected populations.
  • Evaluation of the impact of HAART on liver-related and non-liver-related morbidity and mortality.

Main Results:

  • HCV coinfection affects approximately 25% of HIV-positive individuals in Europe and the USA, with lower prevalence elsewhere.
  • Acute HCV outbreaks have been reported among men who have sex with men in Europe.
  • HCV accounts for over 75% of liver-related deaths in HIV-seropositive individuals, though mortality is declining with HAART.
  • The link between HCV coinfection and non-liver-related outcomes remains debated.
  • HIV-associated immune suppression worsens liver disease but does not currently warrant earlier HAART initiation.

Conclusions:

  • Mandatory screening and management of HCV coinfection in people with HIV are essential, especially in high-prevalence regions.
  • Prevention of blood exposure should be prioritized in HIV-infected individuals with sexual risk behaviors.
  • Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is necessary to determine optimal timing for initiating HAART in coinfected patients.
Abstract

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...
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...
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...
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...
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...