Neurocognition in individuals co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C

J Addict Dis. 2008;27(2):11-7. doi: 10.1300/J069v27n02_02.

Abstract

Due to similar routes of viral transmission, many individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are also infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Each virus can cause cognitive compromise among mono-infected individuals; evidence is accumulating that HIV/HCV co-infection may have a particularly deleterious impact on cognition. We present neuropsychological data obtained from 118 HIV+ adults with advanced HIV disease, 35 of whom were co-infected with HCV, who completed a comprehensive neurocognitive evaluation. Rates of global cognitive impairment were higher among co-infected patients than among those with HIV alone (63% vs. 43%). Within the specific domains of learning and memory, co-infected individuals were significantly more likely to be impaired than were the HIV mono-infected participants. Finally, we discuss implications of these findings and potential future directions for research in this area.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • CD4 Antigens / immunology
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • CD4 Antigens