Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Humanized NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull (hu-NSG) Mouse Model for HIV Replication and Latency Studies
07:10

Humanized NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull (hu-NSG) Mouse Model for HIV Replication and Latency Studies

Published on: January 7, 2019

Hepatitis C in HIV-infected patients with and without AIDS: prevalence and relationship to patient survival

T L Wright1, H Hollander, X Pu

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco 94121.

Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|November 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is more common in HIV-positive men who have sex with men, suggesting sexual transmission. HCV coinfection does not impact survival in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Limited data exists on Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients and its effect on survival.
  • Investigating risk factors beyond traditional routes like intravenous drug use is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of HCV infection in HIV-positive individuals, particularly non-intravenous drug users.
  • To explore potential transmission routes, such as homosexual contact.
  • To assess the impact of HCV coinfection on the survival of HIV-infected patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 512 predominantly non-intravenous drug-using, homosexual men, including 224 with AIDS.
  • HCV antibody testing using enzyme immunoassay, confirmed by strip immunoblot assay and HCV RNA detection via polymerase chain reaction.
  • Testing of enzyme immunoassay-negative samples for HCV RNA to identify occult infections.

Main Results:

  • HCV infection prevalence was 11.7% in individuals without a history of intravenous drug use or transfusion.
  • 87% of enzyme immunoassay-positive samples confirmed positive by further testing.
  • HCV RNA was detected in 53% of antibody-positive samples, but rarely in antibody-negative samples (approx. 1%).
  • HCV coinfection did not significantly affect survival in HIV-infected patients, regardless of AIDS status.

Conclusions:

  • HCV infection is significantly more prevalent in HIV-positive, non-intravenous drug-using men than in blood donors, suggesting homosexual transmission.
  • Serologically occult HCV viremia is uncommon; approximately half of seropositive individuals have detectable HCV RNA.
  • HCV coinfection does not appear to negatively influence survival outcomes in HIV-infected individuals.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Establishment of the Dual Humanized TK-NOG Mouse Model for HIV-associated Liver Pathogenesis10:12

Establishment of the Dual Humanized TK-NOG Mouse Model for HIV-associated Liver Pathogenesis

Published on: September 11, 2019

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma12:24

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Published on: September 30, 2021

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...
Cancer Survival Analysis01:21

Cancer Survival Analysis

Cancer survival analysis focuses on quantifying and interpreting the time from a key starting point, such as diagnosis or the initiation of treatment, to a specific endpoint, such as remission or death. This analysis provides critical insights into treatment effectiveness and factors that influence patient outcomes, helping to shape clinical decisions and guide prognostic evaluations. A cornerstone of oncology research, survival analysis tackles the challenges of skewed, non-normally...
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...
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,...
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...