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Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors
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HIV coinfection with hepatitis C virus: evolving epidemiology and treatment paradigms

Lynn E Taylor1, Tracy Swan, Kenneth H Mayer

  • 1Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA. LTaylor@Lifespan.org

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|June 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant threat to individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Early detection and expedited HCV therapy are crucial for improving outcomes in this coinfected population.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major threat to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals, particularly where antiretroviral therapy is accessible.
  • HCV/HIV coinfection presents challenges in viral eradication, leading to underutilization of HCV therapy, with studies often lagging behind those for HCV monoinfection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the growing epidemic of HIV/HCV coinfection and the need for improved management strategies.
  • To emphasize the importance of novel therapies and expedited clinical trials for coinfected individuals.
  • To underscore the association between incident HCV and sexual risk behavior in HIV-infected men who have sex with men.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current understanding regarding HIV/HCV coinfection.
  • Analysis of trends in HCV incidence among HIV-infected populations.
  • Evaluation of current and potential therapeutic approaches for coinfected individuals.

Main Results:

  • HCV infection significantly impacts survival in HIV-positive individuals.
  • Aggressive hepatic fibrogenesis is observed when HIV precedes HCV acquisition, necessitating careful monitoring.
  • Incident HCV among HIV-infected men who have sex with men is increasingly linked to sexual risk behaviors.

Conclusions:

  • Enhanced HCV detection, including annual serologic testing and HCV RNA screening, is vital.
  • Earlier intervention and universal consideration for HCV therapy in coinfected patients are recommended.
  • Expediting HCV drug trials for coinfected individuals and developing improved care models are essential for managing this evolving epidemic.

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