Does acute hepatitis C infection affect the central nervous system in HIV-1 infected individuals?

Winston, A. et al. (2010) Does acute hepatitis C infection affect the central nervous system in HIV-1 infected individuals? Journal of Viral Hepatitis, 17(6), pp. 419-426. (doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2009.01198.x)

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and chronic human immune deficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infections have been reported, but the impact of acute HCV infection on the CNS is unknown. A total of 10 individuals with chronic stable HIV-1 with documented acute HCV (HCV-RNA polymerase chain reaction positive and HCV antibody negative, group 1) underwent cerebral proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) using acquisition parameters to quantify myo-inositol/creatine (mI/Cr) ratio in the right basal ganglia (RBG). Two matched control groups also underwent MRS; group 2: ten with chronic HIV-1 and no evidence of HCV, and group 3: ten with no evidence of HIV or HCV. Subjects also underwent computerized neurocognitive assessments (CogState). RBG mI/Cr ratio in group 1 (acute HCV in a background of HIV) was significantly lower than that in groups 2 and 3 [2.90 (+/-0.7) vs 3.34 (+/-0.4) and 3.43 (+/-0.4), mean (SD) for group 1 vs 2 and 3 respectively, P = 0.049], with 50% of subjects in group 1 having a mI/Cr ratio below the lowest observed ratio in either of the other groups. On neurocognitive testing, significant defects in the monitoring domain were observed in group-1, compared with matched controls (P = 0.021). Acute HCV in HIV-1 infected subjects is associated with CNS involvement. Clinicians should be vigilant of early CNS involvement when assessing subjects with acute HCV.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Thomson, Professor Emma
• Authors: Winston, A., Garvey, L., Scotney, E., Yerrakalva, D., Allsop, J.M., Thomson, E.C., Grover, V.P.B., Main, J., Cox, J.I., Wylezinska, M., and Taylor-Robinson, S.D.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: Journal of Viral Hepatitis
• ISSN: 1352-0504
• ISSN (Online): 1365-2893
• Published Online: 25 September 2009