Update on HIV and Hepatitis C Virus Co-Infection

Conclusion

HIV/HCV co-infection is a significant problem, but as the four major trials suggest, treatment of HCV with pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin is relatively safe and effective in HIV-infected patients. This combination is now the standard of care. Newer studies are needed to evaluate the duration of therapy, to examine the dosage of ribavirin treatment, to determine the role of maintenance therapy, and to find effective management strategies for non-responders and relapsers. Because the efficacy of the PEG IFN/ribavirin combination is lower in co-infected patients with HCV genotype 1, HCV liver-related morbidity and mortality will continue to trouble co-infected patients until newer therapies are found. Studies to definitively answer the role of liver biopsy and evaluate the newer liver markers are also needed. A comparison study of the pegylated interferons in co-infected patients is warranted. The future of HIV/HCV co-infection treatment remains an avenue where improvements in HCV therapy can significantly impact the lives of patients burdened by these diseases.