Hepatitis C-HIV coinfection: current and future therapy.
Coinfection with hepatitis C in HIV-infected patients has been reported in 15-70% of patients depending on the mode of acquisition of both viruses. As recent advances in HIV-directed antiviral therapy have markedly delayed HIV progression and mortality, the incidence of complications arising from hepatitis C-associated liver disease in coinfected patients is increasing exponentially. The interaction of HIV and hepatitis C is complex. It is clear that HIV infection negatively affects the natural history of hepatitis C, while HIV-directed therapy may enhance immunologic response and exacerbate hepatocellular injury induced by hepatitis C via immune reconstitution. In this review, the pathobiology, inter-relation of hepatitis C and HIV infection in coinfected patients as well as present and future treatment in this unique patient population are discussed.
Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, NY, NY 10032, USA.
Jagdeep J
JJ
Vyas
Robert S
RS
Brown
Paul J
PJ
Gaglio
D000818:Animals; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005544:Forecasting; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents