Acute hepatitis C and HIV coinfection

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 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

Jodie Dionne-Odom1, Melissa K Osborn, Henry Radziewicz

  • 1Section of Infectious Disease and International Health, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA. dionne-odom@hitchcock.org

The Lancet. Infectious Diseases
|November 21, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Acute hepatitis C, often asymptomatic, presents challenges in diagnosis, especially in HIV-coinfected individuals. This case highlights sexually acquired hepatitis C in men who have sex with men, emphasizing treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern, frequently asymptomatic during the acute phase, complicating early detection.
  • Coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may accelerate the progression of liver disease in individuals with hepatitis C.
  • Recent epidemiological data suggest an increase in acute hepatitis C cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors.

Observation:

  • This report details a specific case of a man diagnosed with HIV and sexually acquired acute hepatitis C.
  • The case involves an individual with a history of high-risk sexual practices and concurrent genital ulcer disease.

Findings:

  • The study discusses the immunological aspects, natural progression, and epidemiological trends of acute hepatitis C, particularly in the context of HIV coinfection.
  • Analysis of recent reports indicates a correlation between specific sexual practices among MSM and the incidence of acute HCV infection.

Implications:

  • Understanding the transmission dynamics and clinical presentation of acute hepatitis C in MSM is crucial for effective public health interventions.
  • Reviewing current treatment options for acute hepatitis C and HIV coinfection is essential for optimizing patient management and outcomes.

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...
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...
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,...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...