Association of Fecal Microbiome Profiles with HIV Stages in Adults Residing in Rural and Peri-Urban Uganda
By
Bożena M. Morawski
Elise R. Morton
Miya Yunus
Claudia Muñoz-Zanzi
Rojelio Mejia
Ran Blekhman
David R. Boulware
Sarah M. Lofgren
March 10, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Association of Fecal Microbiome Profiles with HIV Stages in Adults Residing in Rural and Peri-Urban Uganda
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition HIV infection and its impact on gut microbiome Key Mechanisms Loss of CD4 + T cells, gut mucosal damage, dysbiosis Target Population Adults living with HIV in rural and peri-urban Uganda Care Setting Outpatient HIV clinic in Mbale, Uganda
Key Highlights
HIV infection leads to gut microbiome dysbiosis and reduced bacterial diversity. PLHIV show lower abundance of beneficial gut bacteria and higher levels of potential pathogens. Gut microbiome composition is influenced by geographic and dietary factors. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Assess CD4 + T cell counts and gastrointestinal parasite infections. Management
Initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) to improve immune function and gut microbiome. Monitoring & Follow-up
Regularly monitor CD4 + T cell counts and gut microbiome changes over time. Risks
Increased risk of gastrointestinal infections and immune activation due to dysbiosis. Patient & Prescribing Data
Adults receiving outpatient care for HIV in Uganda.
ART improves CD4 + T cell counts but does not fully restore gut microbiome diversity.
Clinical Best Practices
Evaluate gut microbiome alongside immune status in PLHIV. Consider dietary and geographical factors when assessing microbiome health. References
