ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Studies with a follow-up of < 8 weeks have indicated immune-preserving effects of yogurt probiotic supplementation among HIV patients. To evaluate the impact of 25 weeks use of probiotics, a randomized, double blind, controlled study was undertaken on 65 women who were naïve to anti-retroviral treatment. RESULTS: Ten participants were excluded post-randomization due to non-eligibility. Thirty participants were assigned placebo, of whom 25 completed the study versus 19 of 25 completing the study in the probiotics group (p = 0.5). From baseline to 10 weeks follow-up, the CD4 count declined on average 3 CD4 cells/µl (95% Confidence Interval: -97; 91) with placebo versus an increase of 50 cells/µl (95% CI: -61; 162) with probiotics (p = 0.5). From baseline to 25 weeks, the CD4 count increased with 19 cells/µl (95% CI: -90; 129) in the placebo group versus 46 cells/µl (95% CI: -100; 192) with probiotics (p = 0.8). No differences in immune markers, diarrhea incidence or adverse events were observed. DISCUSSION: Lactobacillus GR-1 and RC-14 may be safely consumed at 2 x 10(9) CFU/day by moderately immune compromised HIV patients but this did not universally preserve immune-function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women were randomized to receive oral capsules containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 (2 x 10(9) colony forming units) or placebo twice daily for 25 weeks. The CD4 count and immune markers (IgG, IgE, IFNγ and IL-10) were measured at baseline and during follow-up, the occurrence of diarrhea was reported daily.
