Assessment of hepatitis C antibody tests in homosexual men with hyperglobulinemia

Treatment of the hepatitis C virus in patients coinfected with HIV

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is common among individuals with HIV, and the progression of liver disease is accelerated in coinfected individuals compared with those with HCV alone. HCV coinfection also can decrease tolerability of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Additionally, the presence of HCV appears to increase morbidity and mortality in these individuals, and as such the management of both HCV and HIV in coinfected individuals requires careful consideration. Although coinfected patients should be considered for HCV therapy, the limited information to date indicates a lower rate of virologic response with current HCV therapies. Moreover, interactions between HCV and HIV antiviral medications may occur and potentially affect treatment efficacy. Thus, the decision to undertake HCV treatment must be individualized.

Hepatitis C in the setting of HIV co-infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection is common among HIV-infected individuals and can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in this population. HIV adversely impacts the natural history of HCV disease with higher rates of liver disease progression but the effect of HCV on the natural history of HIV is disputed. Additionally, presence of HCV may decrease tolerability of highly active antiretroviral regimens for HIV treatment due to a potential increase in hepatotoxicity. Currently there is limited information available regarding HCV therapy in the setting of HIV co-infection but the HCV virologic response to interferon regimens appears to be similar to those individuals with HCV infection alone. However, additional information is required to assess the efficacy and safety of HCV therapy including possible interaction of HCV and HIV anti-viral medications in these co-infected individuals.