Sexual behavior is linked to changes in gut microbiome and systemic inflammation that lead to HIV-1 infection in men who have sex with men

Pathogenic changes in gut microbial composition precede the onset of HIV-1 infection in men who have sex with men (MSM). This process is associated with increased levels of systemic inflammatory biomarkers and risk for AIDS development. Using mediation analysis framework, in this report we link the effects of unprotected receptive intercourse among MSM prior to primary HIV-1 infection to higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines sCD14 and sCD163 in plasma and a significant decrease in the abundance of A. muciniphila, B. caccae, B. fragilis, B. uniformis, Bacteroides spp., Butyricimonas spp., and Odoribacter spp., and a potential relationship to the number of sexual partners. These findings provide insights into the interrelatedness of sexual behavior, immune response, and microbiota composition, notably among MSM participating in high-risk sexual behaviors.

Huang Lin, Yue Chen, Grace Abor-Lacks, Meaghan Price, Alison Morris, Jing Sun, Frank Palella, Kara W. Chew, Todd T. Brown, Charles R. Rinaldo, Shyamal D. Peddada