HIV and Gut Microbiota: Understanding the Link between Immune Function, Inflammation, and Viral Persistence

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was associated with significant alterations in gut microbiota, which in turn impacts immune function, inflammation, and viral persistence. This review explored the complex interplay between HIV and gut microbiota, highlighting how dysbiosis can lead to chronic immune activation and increased inflammation, factors that contribute to the persistence of the virus. This review comprehensively analised recent literature on gut microbiota composition in HIV-infected subjects, focusing on studies that assess the relationship between microbial diversity, immune function, and disease progression. The review also synthesizes findings from various studies that demonstrate shifts in microbial composition among HIV-infected individuals, correlating these changes with immune parameters such as CD4+ T cell counts and levels of viremia. Additionally, it discussed potential therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating gut microbiota to improve immune recovery and reduce inflammation in HIV patients. Keywords: HIV infection, Gut microbiota dysbiosis, Immune dysfunction, Chronic inflammation, Viral persistence