Impact of Hepatitis C Virus Co-infection on Antiretroviral Therapy Outcomes in Adults Living with HIV - China, 2002-2023.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: The impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection on antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains controversial across studies.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: Using stratified matching methods, we constructed two cohorts - one with HIV/HCV co-infection and one with HIV mono-infection - to compare ART outcomes. Our analysis revealed that HIV/HCV co-infected individuals faced significantly elevated risks of mortality, virological failure, and attrition relative to their HIV mono-infected counterparts.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Enhanced prevention, screening, and management (including treatment) of hepatitis C virus within people living with human immunodeficiency virus should be prioritized and strengthened as part of routine clinical care.