American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following conditions is associated with worse prognosis and progression when co-infected with HIV?

1. Hepatitis B

2. Hepatitis C

3. Both A and B

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Both A and B

The prognosis and progression of diseases in individuals who are co-infected with HIV are influenced by various factors. Co-infection with both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses has been shown to have adverse effects on the progression of HIV. When individuals with HIV are also infected with Hepatitis B, it can lead to accelerated liver disease and increased morbidity. This is attributed to the immunosuppressive nature of HIV, which diminishes the body’s ability to fight off chronic infections like Hepatitis B. The presence of Hepatitis B can complicate the management of HIV, and studies demonstrate that this co-infection may result in poorer overall outcomes, including higher rates of liver-related complications and increased mortality. On the other hand, co-infection with Hepatitis C similarly results in significant negative implications for those living with HIV. Hepatitis C infections progress more rapidly in individuals with HIV, resulting in a higher likelihood of developing advanced liver disease, such as cirrhosis. The influence of HIV on the immune system exacerbates the effects of Hepatitis C, leading to more severe liver dysfunction and a greater risk of liver cancer. Both types of Hepatitis infections can worsen the health and prognosis of someone with HIV, due to the synergistic effects of these