1562The Influence of Co-infection with HCV on CD4 and B-cell Reconstitution in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected Patients

Background. HIV is associated with dysfunctional cellular and humoral immunity. The effects of co-infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) on immune reconstitution are controversial. The utility of monitoring B-cell lymphocyte counts in HIV patients has not been well studied. In the present study, we compare the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on CD4 and B-cell counts in HIV mono-infected (HIV + /HCV-) and HCV co-infected (HIV + /HCV+) patients. Methods. Retrospective observational cohort of 160 HIV-infected patients (39 with HCV co-infection) who suppressed plasma viral load (VL) to undetectable levels within one-year of ART initiation. We reviewed baseline clinical and demographic variables, and CD4 and B-cell counts at two time points: prior to ART initiation and after 9-15 months of persistently undetectable VL (post-ART). A multiple general linear regression model was used to test for significant associations between predictor variables and change in B-cell counts after adjusting for pre-ART levels as well as covariates significant in the univariate analysis. Results. The median absolute preto post-ART increase in CD4 and B-cell counts did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (table). In HIV + /HCVand HIV + / HCV+ patients, the % increase in B-cell and CD4 count were strongly correlated (Spearman’s R 0.58 and R 0.65, respectively, P < 0.001). In a multiple regression model adjusting for pre-ART B-cell count, HCV-co-infected patients experienced a not statistically significant 15% greater rise in B-cell counts, compared to mono-infected group (P = 0.08).