Impact of Chronic Hepatitis C on HIV-1 Disease Progression

Abstract

Hepatitis C may be associated with a poor immunologic outcome in HIV-infected persons. This worst influence is not explained by a lower rate of antiretroviral therapy among HCV-positive persons nor a much poorer drug adherence in this population. Therefore, hepatitis C may act as a direct cofactor for HIV disease progression. If so, treatment of chronic hepatitis C might indirectly benefit HIV disease.