Effect of Probiotics on the Frequency of CD4+ T-Cells in HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Depletion of CD4+ T-cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue is the hallmark of HIV infection, with only partial restoration by potent antiretroviral therapy (ART). Gut dysbiosis, together with disruption of mucosal integrity contributes to chronic immune activation that further exacerbates the disease. Data from randomized controlled trials in pediatric HIV patients have indicated potential of probiotics in complementing routine ART in managing HIV-associated gastrointestinal complications. We have systematically extracted data from these trials and performed meta-analysis to quantify the effect of probiotics on CD4+ T-cell counts and any adverse events associated with their supplementation.

Methods: A systematic search through multiple databases yielded three studies that were pooled using fixed-effect model. Risk of bias assessment was done by the Cochrane risk of bias tool and publication bias was assessed by Egger's test.

Results: Included studies had moderate risk of bias and Egger's statistics revealed no publication bias (p > 0.05). Pooled analysis showed significant improvement in CD4+ T-cell counts, with mean difference, 123.92 (95% CI: 104.36-143.48), p < 0.0001, no heterogeneity (I2=0) among the included trials. Subgroup analysis also depicted improvement in CD4+ T-cell counts irrespective of treatment duration, in both ART naïve and treated patients. No adverse effects with probiotic consumption were reported.

Conclusions: Probiotics supplementation led to an improvement in CD4+ T-cell counts among HIV-infected children with no observed adverse effects. Despite the inherent limitations of included studies, our systematic review would justify more well-designed, large-scale trials in children, which may guide pediatricians on whether to incorporate probiotics as an adjunct therapy to routine ART.