Probiotics and intestinal microflora of HIV-infected patients

Abstract

Background: HIV-1 infection results in marked immunologic insults, including pronounced CD4+ T-cell loss from gut lymphoid tissue, and structural damage to the intestinal mucosa following dysfunction of the gastrointestinal system, including compromised barrier function. Increased intestinal permeability and microbial translocation promote systemic immune activation, which is implicated in disease progression. While the development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been a major advancement in the treatment of HIV-1 infection, the need for novel complementary interventions to help repair intestinal structural and functional integrity remains unmet. Known properties of probiotics suggest that they may be useful tools in restoring normal intestinal flora. In this regard, the aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in microflora of the large intestine in chronic HIV infection and the possibility of correction by means of bacterial preparations (probiotics).