title: Effect of 25 weeks probiotic supplementation on immune function of HIV patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: Canadian Research & Development Centre for Probiotics, Lawson Health Research Institute, Canada. rubenhummelen@gmail.com
authors.forename: Ruben
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hummelen
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Changalucha
authors.forename: Nicodemus L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Butamanya
authors.forename: Tara E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Koyama
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.forename: J Dik F
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Habbema
authors.forename: Gregor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Reid
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D004035:Diet Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D052201:Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology; D010919:Placebos / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019936:Probiotics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D010919:Placebos