Clinical features and therapeutic response in patients with HIV and acute HCV coinfection: a cohort study
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: To characterize the clinical features, genotype distribution, and treatment outcomes of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people living with HIV (PLWH). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1,240 individuals with HIV from 2019 to 2024 to identify cases of acute HCV infection. Clinical data and treatment responses were analyzed. Results: 17 cases (1.37%) of acute HCV infection were identified, all of which were male, with a median age of 29 years. The primary risk factor for HCV infection was male-to-male sexual contact. The majority (76.5%) of patients were asymptomatic, with diagnoses made through routine LFTs. Marked elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT; >10 times the upper limit of normal [ULN] in 64.7%) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT; median: 216 U/L) were observed. HCV genotype 1b was the predominant genotype (52.94%). Only 57.1% (n=8/14) of patients treated with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) completed therapy, achieving a 100% sustained virological response. Conclusion: Acute HCV infection in PLWH is prevalent among young men who have sex with men (MSM), often presenting asymptomatically with significant hepatic injury. Routine HCV RNA screening is crucial for early diagnosis. DAAs demonstrated high efficacy, emphasizing the need for prompt treatment initiation.
Institution: Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University
Language: English
Topic: Hepatitis C virus research
Subfield: Hepatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4414523533
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