Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged as a serious problem for a significant portion of the HIV population. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in January 2000, co-infection with HCV and HIC is common, occurring in 50% to 80% of individuals who acquired HIV through blood-to-blood contact. Among the one million persons in the US believed to be infected with HIV, it is estimated that 300,000, or one-third, are co-infected with HCV. In the twin state region, estimates of co-infection in the HIV community range from 23% to 30%. Some sub populations, such as the prison and intravenous drug users (IDUs) can be higher.

TESTING:

Testing for HCV in the HIV population can yield a number of false negatives- the person is positive for HCV, but shows a negative result. The issue with HCV testing is that the ELISA (and probably all confirmatory anti body tests) can be falsely negative in individuals who have deficiencies in antibody production (such as people with HIV). At the present time there are no statistics on the frequency of false negatives, but it presumably becomes more frequent as CD4 declines. It is recommended that all persons with HIV be tested for HCV. If they test negative, but either have abnormal liver function tests or have a history of drug use, an HCV viral load test is recommended.

TREATMENT:

• The Hepatitis Report: A critical Review of the Research and Treatment of Hepatitis C and Hepatitis C and HIV Co-infection
• Strategies for the Management of HIV/HCV Co-infection
• DAAIR (Direct Access Alternative Information) Hepatitis Page
• Johns Hopkins Hepatitis Page
• The Body Hepatitis Page
• Double Jeopardy booklet
• Hand in Hand: The User Friendly Guide to HIV and Hepatitis C Co-infection