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Impact of human immunodeficiency virus infection in patients infected with the hepatitis C virus
Author(s) -
Valle Tovo Cristiane,
Alves de Mattos Angelo,
Ribeiro de Souza Andréa,
Ferrari de Oliveira Rigo Juliana,
Lerias de Almeida Paulo Roberto,
Galperim Bruno,
Riegel Santos Breno
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2006.01344.x
Subject(s) - medicine , hepatitis c virus , ribavirin , viral load , immunology , hepatitis c , virology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , virus
Background/Aims: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods: Three different groups of patients were considered: group 1, 385 HCV/HIV coinfected; group 2, 198 HIV monoinfected; and group 3, 311 HCV monoinfected. Demographic and epidemiological data were collected. Blood tests included anti‐HCV, HCV‐RNA test, genotyping, CD4 cell count, anti‐HIV, and HIV viral load. Treatment with interferon and ribavirin was proposed. The fibrosis progression rate was assessed. Results: The most prevalent risk factor in the group of coinfected was the use of intravenous drugs; in the HIV monoinfection group, heterosexual relations at risk; in the HCV monoinfection group, the transfusion of blood. There was no difference concerning the distribution of genotypes or HCV viral load between groups 1 and 3. Although the mean time of duration of HCV infection was greater in group 3 than in group 1, there was no difference when the fibrosis progression rate was evaluated. The response to treatment was similar. Conclusion: In the present series there was no relevant impact of HCV infection in patients with HIV.