Repeated Spontaneous Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Setting of Long-Term Non-Progression of HIV Infection

Abstract

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are global pandemics that affect 170 million and 35 million individuals, respectively. Up to 45% of individuals infected with HCV clear their infections spontaneously – correlating to factors like aboriginal descent and some host specific immune factors. HIV, however, establishes true latency in infected cells and cannot be cured. In the setting of longterm non-progressors (LTNPs) of HIV, a state of immune preservation and low circulating viral load is established. Regarding HIV/HCV co-infection, little is known about the relationship between spontaneous clearance of HCV infection and long-term control of HIV infection without medical intervention. We describe a case of a HIVinfected female defined as a LTNP in whom spontaneous clearance of HCV was documented on multiple occasions. Similar cases should be documented and identified in an effort to develop novel hypotheses about the natural control of these infections and inform research on immune-based interventions to control them.