Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection in a cohort of HIV positive long-term non-progressors: Possible protective effect of infecting HCV genotype on HIV disease progression

Abstract

Background and objective Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is frequent in HIV-positive subjects. We evaluated the potential impact of HCV coinfection and other determinants on HIV disease progression in a cohort of long-term non-progressors (LTNPs). Study design We studied immunological and virological factors in a cohort of 49 LTNPs, 23 of whom progressed during the follow-up (late progressors; LPs). Results HCV coinfection was detected in 19/26 LTNPs and 15/23 LPs. Univariate analysis showed that HIV viral load was associated with disease progression ( P = 0.04), and time-to-event analysis indicated that HCV genotype 1 significantly correlated with LTNP status ( P = 0.031). At multivariate analysis, HIV viremia at study entry remained independently associated with LTNP status ( P = 0.049). When the most represented genotypes (1 and 3a) were considered in the model, genotype 3a infection ( P = 0.034) and gender ( P = 0.035) emerged as independent variables related to HIV disease progression, whereas HIV viral load disappeared. Conclusions In addition to HIV viremia, coinfection with different HCV genotypes and gender may affect LTNP status.