title: Coinfection with HIV and hepatitis C virus in injection drug users and minority populations.
abstract: Coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is common. In the United States, it has been estimated that 25% of persons infected with HIV are also infected with HCV. The prevalence of coinfection with HIV and HCV is highest among those infected via percutaneous routes. In fact, in urban areas in the United States, 50%-90% of persons infected with HIV via injection drug use are coinfected with HCV. In addition, limited data from drug treatment centers in these urban areas suggest that the prevalence of coinfection with HIV and HCV may be highest among African Americans and Hispanics. Little information is available with regard to the epidemiology of coinfection with HIV and HCV among injection drug users (IDUs) or minority populations. Likewise, although there is a growing body of data on the potential complexities of treating HCV among IDUs and the poor response to current anti-HCV treatment among African Americans, few data address the therapy of coinfection with HIV and HCV among IDUs and minority populations.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Fletcher Allen Health Care, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA. doris.strader@vtmednet.org
authors.forename: Doris B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Strader
mesh_terms: D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000821:virology; D008913:Minority Groups; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy