Possible Compartmentalization of Hepatitis C Viral Replication in the Genital Tract of HIV‐1–Coinfected Women

Abstract

Our data suggest that the genital and plasma quasi species represent distinct subpopulations, which possibly reflects compartmentalized viral replication. Alternatively, cell carriers harboring viral quasi species in the genital tract that are distinct from those in plasma could transfer the virus through the barrier separating the 2 body sites.

HIV Co-Infections with Hepatitis B and C

“…It has been suggested that HCV RNA replication in PBMCs may occur in HIV/ HCV co-infected patients, but not in those with HCV alone [71]. HCV has also been isolated from cervicovaginal lavage fluid [72] in HIV infected women but not in women with HCV alone [73]. This may partially explain the increase in HCV activity and sexual transmission in HIV co-infected patients.…”

The Hepatitis C Virus 5′UTR Genomic Region Remains Highly Conserved Under HAART: A 4- to 8-Year Longitudinal Study from HCV/HIV Co-Infected Patients

“…This particular cell tropism is known to be influenced by the 5 0 UTR nucleotide sequence, [17][18][19] which could differ in plasma compared with other compartments or according the route of infection. 20 All of these studies represent single timepoint comparisons between compartments, and so are limited in demonstrating the evolution or stability over time.…”

“…9 This increase in diversity seems to reflect an improved selective pressure, requires time to develop, 10 and is seen mostly in patients with virologic and CD4 T-cell responses to HAART. 17,19 With successful immune response, it would be reasonable to predict that enhanced control of HCV would result. As a consequence, a greater recognition of virus-infected hepatocytes and consequent alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flares are expected to occur.…”

Cervicovaginal shedding of hepatitis C viral RNA is associated with the presence of menstrual or other blood in cervicovaginal fluids

“…12 The remainder did not assess the presence of blood or hemoglobin in connection with detection of HCV RNA. [13][14][15][16] Thus, studies to date have not explored the relationship between HCV shedding in cervicovaginal fluids and the presence of menstrual or other blood in the female genital tract.…”