Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
13:50
Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients
Published on: June 11, 2011
12.8K
Dysbiotic bacteria translocate in progressive SIV infection
Z Klase1, A Ortiz2, C Deleage3
11] Program in Barrier Immunity and Repair, Immunopathogenesis Section, LMM, NIAID NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA [2] Present address: Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Mucosal Immunology
|January 15, 2015
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to gut barrier damage and bacterial translocation, primarily of Proteobacteria. Altering the gut microbiome may benefit HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gut CD4(+) T cell infection during HIV/SIV leads to cell loss and epithelial barrier damage.
- Microbial product translocation from the gut lumen activates the immune system, accelerating disease.
- Bacterial identity in microbial translocation during SIV infection remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify translocating bacteria in SIV-infected macaques.
- To analyze gut microbiome changes in healthy and SIV-infected macaques.
- To investigate the impact of antiretroviral therapy on the gut microbiome.
Main Methods:
- Examined bacterial communities in the GI tract and systemic tissues of healthy and SIV-infected Asian macaques.
- Analyzed bacterial DNA from tissues to identify translocating species.
- Assessed bacterial metabolic activity within the colonic lumen.
Main Results:
- SIV infection caused modest changes in the GI tract microbiome but significant dysbiosis with antiretroviral administration.
- Bacterial DNA analysis revealed a preference for Proteobacteria translocation.
- Increased metabolic activity of Proteobacteria was observed in the colonic lumen of SIV-infected macaques.
Conclusions:
- Proteobacteria are preferentially translocated during SIV infection.
- Gut microbiome composition and metabolic activity alterations may offer therapeutic benefits for HIV patients.
- Findings provide insights into HIV disease progression and potential microbiome-targeted interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Colonisation of Pathogens
64
Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...
64
01:26Bacterial Translocation and Protein Secretion
1.1K
Bacterial protein secretion involves translocation systems to ensure proteins reach their designated locations, including the plasma membrane, periplasm, outer membrane, or the external environment. These translocation systems are vital for bacterial physiology, supporting processes like membrane assembly, enzymatic activity in the periplasm, and interactions with the external environment. The division of labor between Sec and Tat pathways ensures efficiency in handling proteins with diverse...
1.1K
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
2
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
2
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
2
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
2
01:10Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
3.9K
Intracellular bacteria and viruses often comprise a group of highly infectious pathogens that can cause several diseases. Bacterial pathogens include those belonging to the genus Rickettsia responsible for conditions such as rocky mountain spotted fever and the Mediterranean spotted fever; Chlamydia, a genus responsible for a sexually transmitted disease; Coxiella burnetii, an agent responsible for Q fever. Viral pathogens include vaccinia—a poxvirus, and herpes simplex virus—a...
3.9K
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
50
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
50