Up to 25% of HIV-infected individuals receiving antiretroviral treatment demonstrate suboptimal blood cluster of differentiation 4（CD4） recovery despite effective viral suppression; this immunologic non-responder (INR) phenotype is associated with increased immune activation and with higher rates of AIDS and non-AIDS related conditions, and death. Poor gut integrity, increased microbial translocation, and reduced CD4 T-cell trafficking to the gut could be a source of ongoing inflammation in INR individuals. Researches have shown that the gut microbiota compositions are different in INRs and immunological responders (IRs). Probiotics, by modulation of gut microbiota, can help induce epithelial healing and prevent bacterial translocation. Probiotic supplementation, therefore, may be a nutritional target for INRs by boosting CD4 cell counts. We design a prospective, case-control, self-contrast study to explore the efficacy and safety of probiotic supplementation in INRs. Participants will receive oral probiotic containing 3 billion Bifidobacterium and 1 billion Lactobacillus once daily. Gut bacterial community diversity and composition, immune recovery and activation in peripheral plasma/mucosa, plasma levels of gut damage, microbial translocation and inflammation at baseline and after 6 months of receiving intervention will be analyzed.
Gut bacterial community diversity and composition, immune recovery and activation in peripheral plasma/mucosa, plasma levels of gut damage, microbial translocation and inflammation at baseline and after 6 months of receiving intervention will be analyzed.