A New Methodological Approach to the Evaluation of the Course and Conduct of Therapy Patients Co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus

Abstract

Coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most common pathological conditions worldwide. Liver disease is a major cause of death for these patients. We attempted to determine whether the order of HIV and HCV acquisition is important for the progression of liver fibrosis. In was shown that in patients younger than 35, the order of HIV and HCV acquisition has a crucial role in this process. In particular, the patients who acquired HIV as the first pathogen are at higher risk of progressive liver fibrosis and have higher HIV viral load and lower CD3(+)CD4(+) cell count