This study observes the effects of newly developed direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments on the central nervous system (CNS) of individuals with chronic Hepatitis C (HCV). The goals of this study are to determine the CNS impact of curing chronic HCV disease with newly established DAA therapies and how HIV alters this relationship.
The specific aims of the study are as follows: Aim 1. Impact of HCV Cure on CNS Outcomes. Determine how curing HCV without IFN alters CNS outcomes in substance users with chronic HCV disease. Aim 2. Correlates of CNS Outcomes. Determine the viral and host correlates of Aim 1's neurocognitive outcomes. Aim 3. Impact of HIV Co-infection. Explore how HIV alters the relationships observed in Aims 1 and 2. Hypothesis 3: Compared with HCV mono-infected adults, SVR will be less likely to result in improved CNS outcomes in HCV/HIV co-infected adults.