Correlations of intestinal microorganisms with liver and immune functions of patients with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus coinfection

Abstract

Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection has threatened the survival ofHIV-infected people. To explore the correlations of intestinal microorganisms with liver and immune functions of patients withHIV/HBV coinfection. Methods: Eighty-six patients positive for HIV antibody and HBV surface antigen diagnosed from January 2018 to June 2020were selected as HIV/HBV coinfection group. Another 86 patients positive for HBV surface antigen and 86 healthy people wereselected as HBV infection and control groups, respectively. The correlations of intestinal flora with liver function, inflammatoryindices and immune cells were explored through Pearson’s analysis. Results: Compared with control group, the proportions and numbers of T lymphocytes (CD3+), helper T lymphocytes (CD4+),cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+), CD4+/CD8+ and natural killer (NK) cells decreased in HIV/HBV coinfection group (P<0.05).IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, ALT, AST, GGT, DBiL and TDBi levels were correlated negatively with Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Bacteroidesnumbers, but positively with Enterobacter and Enterococcus numbers (P<0.05). IL-10 level and proportions of CD3+, CD4+,CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ and NK cells were correlated positively with Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Bacteroides numbers, but negativelywith Enterobacter and Enterococcus numbers (P<0.05). Conclusion: HIV aggravates the liver damage and immuno-inflammatory response in HBV patients. Keywords: Intestinal flora; liver function; inflammatory factor; immune; human immunodeficiency virus; hepatitis B virus.