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 to be restored when starting on antiretroviral therapy. Different classes of antiretrovirals seem to have different effects but this has been hard to establish because studies aiming to look at this has been large population studies where it can be hard to tease out cause and effect. In this study the investigators are instead aiming to compare an individual with themselves by comparing the bacterial gut microbiome before the person switches from one class of antiretroviral treatment to another or switches the delivery method of that drug, with the bacterial gut microbiome 3-8 weeks after the switch. The investigators hope that if this can be understood the effects different classes and delivery methods of antiretroviral have on an individual's gut microbiome, can be taken into account when deciding on the best HIV therapy for a person. In the long term, this would lessen the negative effects of being on a life-long treatment.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
To measure changes in diversity and abundance of bacterial species in stool sample collected before and after a change of ART.
Timeframe: 3-8 weeks
Gabriella LA Lindergard, PhD