Developing Interventions for Protecting HIV-Exposed Uninfected Infants Against Severe Infections

Gut Microbiome

Gut microbiome, HIV-exposed uninfected infant

Research has shown that babies who are exposed to HIV, but are uninfected (negative HIV status), have a bigger risk of developing severe infections. There are naturally occurring organisms in the gut that may determine how the body protects itself against infections. These organisms may be different in babies who were exposed to the HIV virus in utero, compared to those who were not exposed. This study wants to see if the organisms in the gut of babies can be modified by supplementing the diet of the pregnant mother or of the baby at 6 months of age with Inkomasi (pasteurized fermented milk). The study will compare the type and amount of organisms in those who received supplementation and those who did not receive supplementation.

1. The study will enroll 24 pregnant women with HIV at 36 weeks gestational age and randomize them 1:1 to receive 500 ml daily of pasteurized fermented milk (Inkomasi) or not. Changes in maternal gut microbiota from enrollment to 2-4 weeks postpartum will be compared between groups. The study will also compare the gut microbiome at infants born to mothers who received Inkomasi with those born to mothers who did not receive Inkomasi. 2. The study will enroll 24 HIV-exposed uninfected infants (HEU) at 24 weeks of age and randomize them 1:1 to receive ≥15 ml daily of pasteurized fermented milk (Inkomasi) or not. Changes in infant gut microbiota from enrollment to 4 weeks after enrollment will be compared between groups.

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South Africa