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Review
. 2011 Mar;8(1):12-22.
doi: 10.1007/s11904-010-0071-3.

HIV/HCV co-infection: pathogenesis, clinical complications, treatment, and new therapeutic technologies

Eva A Operskalski  1 , Andrea Kovacs
Affiliations
Review

HIV/HCV co-infection: pathogenesis, clinical complications, treatment, and new therapeutic technologies

Eva A Operskalski et al. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2011 Mar.

Abstract

World-wide, hepatitis C virus (HCV) accounts for approximately 130 million chronic infections, with an overall 3% prevalence. Four to 5 million persons are co-infected with HIV. It is well established that HIV has a negative impact on the natural history of HCV, including a higher rate of viral persistence, increased viral load, and more rapid progression to fibrosis, end-stage liver disease, and death. Whether HCV has a negative impact on HIV disease progression continues to be debated. However, following the introduction of effective combination antiretroviral therapy, the survival of coinfected individuals has significantly improved and HCV-associated diseases have emerged as the most important co-morbidities. In this review, we summarize the newest studies regarding the pathogenesis of HIV/HCV coinfection, including effects of coinfection on HIV disease progression, HCV-associated liver disease, the immune system, kidney and cardiovascular disease, and neurologic status; and effectiveness of current anti-HIV and HCV therapies and proposed new treatment strategies.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Pathogenesis of HIV/HCV co-infection: Immune activation and dysregulation, effects on HIV and HCV disease progression, and complications in multiple organ systems
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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