Improvement of neuropsychological performances and reduction of immune-activation markers after probiotic supplementation and change of life-style in an HIV positive male: targeting the microbiota to act on gut-brain axis

Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine 2017; 3 (3): e404

  Topic: HIV/AIDS     Category:

Abstract

The gut-brain axis is widely influenced by the intestinal microbiota and dysbiosis is consequently associated with a large dysregulation of its functions. Probiotic supplementation, reducing the harmful effects of dysbiosis, has shown positive effects not only on gut and brain functions, but also on the control of the dangerous effects of immune activation. Mounting evidence has shown that neurocognitive impairment can be a secondary to the impairment of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in HIV positive patients. In this case report we analyzed the improvement of neurocognitive performances associated with a reduction of levels of peripheral immune-activation, after 6 months of probiotic supplementation. In this case, the achieved result may have been influenced by a more comprehensive modification of the patient’s lifestyle with the introduction of a controlled diet and regular physical activity. Our observations suggest that integrate antiretroviral therapy and non-pharmacological tools into an overall approach, can be a useful strategy to control some non-AIDS related diseases.

To cite this article

Improvement of neuropsychological performances and reduction of immune-activation markers after probiotic supplementation and change of life-style in an HIV positive male: targeting the microbiota to act on gut-brain axis

Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine 2017; 3 (3): e404

Publication History

Submission date: 16 Jun 2017

Revised on: 27 Jun 2017

Accepted on: 05 Jul 2017

Published online: 02 Oct 2017