Prevention of viral hepatitis in HIV co-infection.
Co-infection of HIV-positive patients with hepatitis viruses worsens the long-term prognosis and this is summative for each new infection in any individual. Vaccination against hepatitis A or B may be effective but response rates are reduced in HIV infected patients. Improvement in response can be induced through extra doses, higher doses and HAART-induced increase in the CD4 count. Hepatitis B and C may also be prevented through counselling about safer sex, particularly condom use. In intravenous drug users, harm reduction, counselling and the use of needle/syringe exchange schemes may be helpful.
Brook
Gary
G
Patrick Clements Clinic, Central Middlesex Hospital, Acton Lane, London NW10 7NS, UK. gary.brook@nwlh.nhs.uk
D006678:HIV; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D014611:Vaccination