Effects of HIV and Hepatitis C Virus on the Brain

Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It can be
successfully treated with 6 to 12 months of medication in both HIV infected and HIV
uninfected people. Among HIV infected people, HCV infection is a common co-morbidity, and is
more serious when it occurs in this population than others because it leads to liver damage
more quickly. HIV is known to cause neurological deficits, and studies suggest that HCV may
do so, as well. Knowledge about how to treat these deficits, however, is limited. More
information about the nature of the neurological problems and their causes is needed to
develop effective treatments. This study will determine the effects that HIV and HCV have on
thinking abilities, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving, and whether the viruses
affect brain chemistry.

Participants in this 4-year, observational study will undergo a series of tests and
interviews. Participants may choose to complete all procedures over 2 days or three
appointments. Procedures will include a 20-minute medical interview, a 4-hour
neuropsychological evaluation, a 5-minute functional ability questionnaire, blood and urine
collection (approximately 15 minutes), and a 1-hour magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test of
the head. The neuropsychological evaluation will test participants' memory, concentration,
reasoning, and speed of thinking. All procedures will be completed over approximately 6
hours.

Inclusion Criteria:

- CD4 count is greater than 200

- Hepatitis C infected or uninfected

- Speaks English

Exclusion Criteria:

- Currently receiving interferon treatment for hepatitis C

- History of neurological illness

- Any psychotic spectrum disorder (e.g., schizophrenia or manic depression/bipolar
disorder)

- History of learning disability

- History of head injury that entailed a loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes

- Any metal in body