Macrophage Activation Marker Soluble CD163 Is a Dynamic Marker of Liver Fibrogenesis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis C Virus Coinfection

Background Coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) accelerates hepatitis C virus (HCV)–related liver fibrosis. Macrophages are triggered during both viral infections and are critical in liver inflammation/fibrogenesis. Liver fibrosis strongly associates with serum soluble CD163 (sCD163, a macrophage activation marker); comprehensive evaluation in HIV/HCV coinfection is lacking.