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Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients
Published on: June 11, 2011
Intestinal Microbiome, Fecal Fermentation Profile, and Health Indices in HIV-Positive Men Versus Normal Controls
Mary C Andreae1,2, William A Clark1,2, John Sterrett3
1College of Health Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.
Nutrients
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV+ males is linked to altered gut bacteria and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), impacting lipid metabolism and liver health. These microbiome changes may contribute to metabolic complications in HIV+ men who have sex with men (MSM).
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Metabolic disorders
- HIV/AIDS research
Background:
- Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is associated with metabolic complications in HIV-positive (HIV+) individuals, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and lipodystrophy.
- Intestinal dysbiosis, often characterized by a Prevotella-rich enterotype, is frequently observed in HIV+ males on HAART.
- Gut microbial fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) crucial for host metabolism, but their role in HIV-associated metabolic complications is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationships among HAART, anthropometrics, diet, intestinal permeability, gut microbiota composition, and lipodystrophy in HIV+ males.
- To characterize the gut microbiome and SCFA profiles in HIV+ males compared to HIV-negative controls.
- To explore potential links between gut dysbiosis, SCFA production, and metabolic disturbances in HIV+ males.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 40 males (19 HIV+ and 20 HIV- controls) was enrolled.
- Stool samples were analyzed for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and SCFA quantification (gas chromatography).
- Anthropometric measures (BMI, H:W ratio), liver health (FibroScan), and serum markers of intestinal permeability were assessed.
Main Results:
- HIV+ males showed significantly higher hip-to-waist ratios and hepatic steatosis compared to controls.
- Elevated concentrations of isobutyrate, isovalerate, and valerate were found in HIV+ participants, while butyrate and total APB were higher in HIV- males.
- HIV+ participants exhibited greater abundances of Prevotella and Lachnospiraceae in their gut microbiota.
Conclusions:
- HIV+ males on HAART present distinct gut microbiome profiles and altered SCFA production.
- These findings suggest disrupted lipid metabolism and highlight potential microbiome-metabolism interactions in HIV+ males.
- The study provides a basis for further research into the role of the gut microbiome in metabolic complications among HIV+ men who have sex with men (MSM).
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