Gut metabolome and cytokine profiling of MSM prior to and following HIV seroconversion

Alterations in the gut microbiome have been associated with HIV infection, but the relative impact of HIV versus other factors on the gut microbiome has been difficult to determine in cross-sectional studies. To address this, we examined the gut microbiome, serum metabolome, and cytokines longitudinally within individuals before and after HIV seroconversion. We identified few changes in the microbiome following HIV infection, but greater differences including decreased Bacteroides were seen between pre-HIV infection visits compared to matched controls. Those who acquired HIV also had elevated inflammatory cytokines and bioactive lipids prior to HIV acquisition compared to matched controls. Following HIV seroconversion, alterations in serum metabolites involving secondary bile acid metabolism and amino acid metabolism were observed. These data highlight the importance of understanding the role of the microbiome in HIV susceptibility.