Hepatitis C‐associated autoimmunity in patients coinfected with HIV

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Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with multiple extrahepatic manifestations. It is unclear to what extent extrahepatic manifestations occur in HIV/HCV coinfection. Methods: We prospectively assessed cross‐sectional frequencies of autoimmune manifestations in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients (n=98), HIV‐mono‐infected (n=45) and HCV‐mono‐infected patients (n=78). Diagnostic vasculitis scores, HCV and HIV loads, CD4 cell counts, thyroid‐, cardiolipin‐, non‐organ‐specific tissue antibodies (nuclear, smooth muscle, anti‐liver–kidney–microsome, neutrophil–cytoplasmic) and cryoglobulins were determined. Results: Synergistic effects of HCV and HIV infection were observed with respect to the prevalence of antibodies against thyroglobulin (HCV infection 15.4%, HIV infection 8.8%, HIV/HCV coinfection 30.6%; PPPP<0.01). Conclusion: HIV coinfection appears to differentially modulate the frequency of HCV‐related autoimmunity. However, autoimmunity is rarely accompanied by clinical manifestations.