Prevention of viral hepatitis in HIV co-infection.

Co-infection of HIV-positive patients with hepatitis viruses worsens the long-term prognosis and this is summative for each new infection in any individual. Vaccination against hepatitis A or B may be effective but response rates are reduced in HIV infected patients. Improvement in response can be induced through extra doses, higher doses and HAART-induced increase in the CD4 count. Hepatitis B and C may also be prevented through counselling about safer sex, particularly condom use. In intravenous drug users, harm reduction, counselling and the use of needle/syringe exchange schemes may be helpful.