Interactions of Hepatitis C Viral (HCV) Dynamics and Immune Activation in HIV Coinfected Patients During HCV Treatment

Hepatitis C Virus Dynamic and Immune Activation in HIV-1 Coinfected Patients Treated With Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a and Ribavirin

The purpose of this study is to investigate T-cell mediated immune responses to HIV-1 and HCV and determine how these responses are affected by HCV treatment and correlates to response. Furthermore, to study Interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) dynamics during HCV treatment, and correlate this to treatment outcome.

Inclusion Criteria:

• HIV-1 Hepatitis C coinfected adult patients
• Hepatitis C treatment naive
• Stable HIV-1 infection with or without cART
• > 300 CD4+ cell count

Exclusion Criteria:

• Decompensated liver disease
• Ongoing depression
• Ongoing drug abuse
• Other contraindications for interferon or ribavirin treatment