The Relationship Between some Macro and Micro-nutrient Status on Gut Dysbiosis Pattern in HIV Patients in the South West and Littoral Regions of Cameroon
Anye Delphine Tangoh¹* ˒ Nyingchu Robert Vuchuh¹˒ Kamsu Kuissi Patric Cyrille¹˒ Henry Dilonga Meriki¹,²˒ Sirri Teneng Ndipingwi¹ and Achidi Eric Akum¹,³
¹ Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon.
² Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Cameroon, Cameroon
³ Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, Cameroon
*Corresponding Author: Anye Delphine Tangoh, Department of Medical Laboratory sciences, Faculty Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon.
DOI: 10.64258/3067-7130.2025.102002
Submission Date: November 24, 2024
Published Date: January 8, 2025
Download PDFBackground: Malnutrition leads to an alteration of the digestive microbiota, with a disappearance of methanogenic archaea that are intolerant to oxygen, a depletion of anaerobic bacteria, and a relative proliferation of Proteobacteria, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus. These are oxygen-tolerant bacterial groups containing many pathogens potentially responsible for infectious diarrhoea and immune system alterations. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of nutritional deficiency on the microbiota in HIV-positive patients on ART. Materials and Methods: Blood and stool samples were collected from 143 HIV-positive participants over a period of three months. Stool culture was performed to identify gut bacteria. Blood samples were analysed for micronutrients (calcium and magnesium) and macronutrients (albumin and glucose). Questionnaires were used to obtain sociodemographic data, while anthropometric data were measured using standard methods. Results: The prevalence of wasting and obesity was 4.2% (6) and 18.9% (27), respectively. Calcium deficiency was observed in 28.7% (41) of participants, while magnesium deficiency was found in 13.3% (19). With respect to macronutrient deficiency, hypoalbuminaemia was present in 17.7% (25), while hypoglycaemia was observed in 16.1% (23). Proteobacteria, Enterococcus (57% [82]), and Fusobacteria (78% [112]) showed increased prevalence. In contrast, gut Firmicutes (lactic acid bacteria), Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, which are considered beneficial flora, had reduced prevalence. The Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio was 10:8. Micronutrient deficiency was mostly associated with increased prevalence of Klebsiella spp. (p = 0.04), Citrobacter spp. (p = 0.04), and Enterobacter spp. (p = 0.01), while macronutrient deficiencies were associated with reduced Bifidobacterium spp. (p = 0.02) and Lactobacillus (p = 0.02). However, both deficiencies were associated with increased Proteobacteria. Low income was identified as the most likely reason for poor feeding, resulting in malnutrition. Conclusion: Malnutrition remains a major problem in the management of HIV and the prevention of AIDS in Cameroon. Our findings reveal dysbiotic changes in the gut microbiome of HIV-infected individuals with malnutrition, which are associated with increased susceptibility to infection by opportunistic microbes. Familiarity with these associations will be of tremendous value to both practitioners and patients.
HIV/AIDS, Malnutrition, Gut Microbiome, Nutrient deficiency, Macro and Micronutrient
Anye DT, Nyingchu RV, Kamsu KPC, Henry DM, Sirri TN, et al. (2024) The Relationship Between some Macro and Micro-Nutrient Status on Gut Dysbiosis Pattern in HIV Patients in the South West and Littoral Regions of Cameroon. On J Clin & Med Case Rep 1(1): 1-19.