HIV and Changes in the Gut Microbiome After Changes in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

This is a study that aims to contribute to the understanding of how antiretroviral therapy effects the gut microbiome which, if known, could inform decisions about drug choices at an individual level. The gut health is extremely important for all aspects of a persons wellbeing both at the level of the body and the brain. In recent years there has been much interest and better understanding of the role of the bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that live in the human gut (the gut microbiome). It is known that disturbing the balance between the different species of bacteria in the gut can have consequences including diarrhoea, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions and has also been linked to obesity. There are big differences in the gut microbiome composition seen in people with untreated HIV infection compared with non-infected individuals. This disrupted balance does not seem t