Background: HIV infection leads to depletion of intestinal CD4+ T cells, mucosal barrier
dysfunction, increased gut permeability and microbial translocation even among patients on
suppressive ART. Previous studies suggest probiotics may help restore intestinal function.
Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, we enrolled HIV-infected
patients on suppressive ART with poor CD4+ recovery to address the effect of daily oral use
of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) on CD4+ T-cell count and CD4+/CD8+ ratio at 6 and 12 …

Exploratory studies on the effects of probiotics indicate a potential hazard with regard to
induction of autoimmunity. Advertisements for probiotics claim their beneficial effects on gut
flora, resistance and allergies. Although no legislation is currently in place, probiotics are
generally regarded as safe bacteria. Studies in laboratory animals described here focused
on effects of probiotics on the immune system. Probiotics were found to possibly have both
beneficial and adverse effects, depending on the model used. Inhibition of inflammatory …