Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Gut Microbiota: A Review on Gut Microbiome Associated with Immune Activation and Metabolic Diseases

Abstract

This review provides the complex interaction between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and gut microbiota. HIV infection exerts chronic effects by impairing the immune system, closely linked with alterations in gut microbiota. While advances in highly active antiretroviral therapy have achieved HIV undetectable in the bloodstream, persistent microbial translocation in the gut microbiota despite antiviral treatment leads to systemic immune activation and chronic inflammation in people living with HIV (PLHIV). There is the need for elucidating which specific microbes and their byproducts that contribute to immune activation and chronic inflammation in PLHIV. Furthermore, gaining a deeper understanding of the connection between HIV infection and metabolic disorders holds significant potential for addressing and managing conditions like premature aging and metabolic diseases. Monitoring alterations in gut microbiota composition shows promise in developing diagnostic markers and therapeutic potential for metabolic disorders in PLHIV.