Save

The effect of probiotics on CD4 counts among people living with HIV: a systematic review

In: Beneficial Microbes
Authors:
H. Miller USAID Office of HIV/AIDS, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20523, USA

Search for other papers by H. Miller in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
R. Ferris USAID Office of HIV/AIDS, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20523, USA

Search for other papers by R. Ferris in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
B.R. Phelps USAID Office of HIV/AIDS, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20523, USA

Search for other papers by B.R. Phelps in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Download Citation Get Permissions

Access options

Get access to the full article by using one of the access options below.

Institutional Login

Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials

Login via Institution

Purchase

Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):

€36.93

Probiotics are defined by the WHO as ‘live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host’. Ongoing research has shown probiotics provide benefits to humans, including protection and restoration of the gastrointestinal and other mucosal tracts. As human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activates gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), several studies have investigated the effect of probiotics on CD4 cell count and related outcomes among those living with HIV. These studies are summarised here. Manuscripts were identified using the search terms ‘probiotics’, ‘synbiotics’, ‘HIV’, and ‘CD4’, and were reviewed for relevance and inclusion of CD4 count as an immunologic endpoint. Bibliographies of relevant manuscripts were also reviewed for additional studies matching inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search yielded 91 results; 13 included relevant outcomes. Seven of these studies produced beneficial CD4 outcomes, while the remaining 6 reported on insignificant beneficial or negative CD4 outcomes. The studies summarised here collectively suggest that daily consumption of probiotics over a prolonged period of time may improve CD4 count in people living with HIV.

Content Metrics

All Time Past 365 days Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 476 256 21
Full Text Views 35 10 0
PDF Views & Downloads 21 10 0