Received: August 24, 2006.

Accepted: August 24, 2006.

Abstract published online: September 29, 2006.

Full paper published online: May 31, 2007.

INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA AND HIV-1 INFECTION

TRINDADE E. B. S. M. (1), SOUZA L. R. (2), LOPES C. A. M. (3),

PEREIRA P. C. M. (2)

(1) Health Sciences Center, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Santa Catarina, UFSC, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil; (2) Department of Tropical Diseases, Botucatu School of Medicine, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil; (3) Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Botucatu Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil.

ABSTRACT: The intestinal microbiota consists of a qualitatively and quantitatively diverse range of microorganisms dynamically interacting with the host. It is remarkably stable with regard to the presence of microorganisms and their roles which, however, can be altered due to pathological conditions, diet composition, gastrointestinal disturbances and/or drug ingestion. The present review aimed at contributing to the discussion about changes in the intestinal microbiota due to HIV-1 infection, focusing on the triad infection-microbiota-nutrition as factors that promote intestinal bacterial imbalance. Intestinal microbiota alterations can be due to the HIV-1 infection as a primary factor or the pharmacotherapy employed, or they can be one of the consequences of the disease.

KEY WORDS: intestinal microbiota, nutrition, infection, HIV-1.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: There is no conflict.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

ERASMO BENÍCIO SANTOS DE MORAES TRINDADE, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário Trindade, 88040-970, Florianópolis, SC, Brasil. Email: erasmotrindade@ccs.ufsc.br.