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.

Cystatin C and Creatinine in an HIV Cohort: The Nutrition for Healthy Living Study

“…People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have an increased risk for kidney disease for a variety of reasons, including the high prevalence of hepatitis B and C co-infection [1][2][3] , drug abuse 4 , direct effects of HIV on kidney cells [5][6][7][8][9] and nephrotoxicity of several highly active antiretroviral (HAART) medications [10][11][12][13][14] . Kidney disease in HIV infected patients is associated with increased complications and utilization of health care resources [15][16][17][18] .…”

Underlying Pathophysiology of HCV Infection in HIV-Positive Drug Users

“…35 Most recent studies have involved determining the epidemiological profiles and evaluating promising therapies for HCV/HIV co-infected IDUs. 36,37 The clearance of HCV infection either alone or in the presence of HIV infection and drug addiction is complex. 38 Therefore, recent studies have mainly focused on host immune response and/or the therapeutic response to HCV/HIV co-infection.…”

Chronic hepatitis C in the Latino population

“…The prevalence of HIV/HCV coinfection is highest among those infected via percutaneous routes. Data from urban drug treatment centers suggest that the prevalence of HIV/HCV coinfection may be highest among African Americans and Latinos [ 14 ].…”