Systematic review and meta-analysis of hepatitis C virus infection and HIV viral load: new insights into epidemiologic synergy.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infection frequently co-occur due to shared transmission routes. Co-infection is associated with higher HCV viral load (VL), but less is known about the effect of HCV infection on HIV VL and risk of onward transmission.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review comparing 1) HIV VL among ART-naïve, HCV co-infected individuals versus HIV mono-infected individuals and 2) HIV VL among treated versus untreated HCV co-infected individuals. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis and quantified heterogeneity using the I(2) statistic. We followed Cochrane Collaboration guidelines in conducting our review and PRISMA guidelines in reporting results.

Results and discussion

We screened 3925 articles and identified 17 relevant public

SUBMITTER: Petersdorf N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5030209 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature