Interactions between HIV and hepatitis B and C
Journal Article
2003
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Authors
Journal Title
South African Journal for Continuing Medical Education
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Publisher
Health and Medical Publishing Group
Publisher
University of Cape Town
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Faculty
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Abstract
HIV shares routes of transmission with the chronic hepatitis viruses B and C. All three can be transmitted by blood products or needle sharing in intravenous drug users. HIV and hepatitis B can also be transmitted sexually and vertically (hepatitis C is seldom transmitted by these routes). Therefore it is not surprising that co-infection with HIV and hepatitis B or C is common. Co-infection particularly affects hepatitis virus infections. There appears to be no effect of either hepatitis B or C on the natural history of HIV, but co-infection complicates the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Complications of chronic viral hepatitis have emerged as leading causes of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients in regions where there is ready access to HAART. Medical therapy of chronic hepatitis B and C is complex and expensive, and should be undertaken only by specialists in the field.
Description
Reference:
Maartens, G. (2003). Interactions between HIV and hepatitis B or C. Continuing Medical Education, 21(6), 339. Retrieved from http://www.cmej.org.za/index.php/cmej/article/view/1241/984