Homosexual behavior changes the microflora and this leads to HIV
Certain types of sexual activity can affect the gut microbiota and immune system and increase the risk of HIV infection. These are the conclusions reached by scientists from Anschutz, the medical campus of the University of Colorado. The results of a new scientific study were published in the journal PLOS Pathogens.
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Microflora — colonies of bacteria inhabiting the intestines — plays an important role in the formation and direction of the human immune system. However, recent research has shown that the microbiota of men who engage in homosexual relationships is radically different from the microbiota of men who only sleep with women. And this does not depend on their HIV status.
The Anschutz scientists wanted to find out whether this “other” microbiota promotes the growth of T lymphocytes (cells associated with an increased risk of HIV infection). Fecal samples from 35 healthy men (including heterosexuals and homosexuals) were placed into mice. Experimental animals that were given samples of men who slept with other men showed increased activation of CD4+ T cells. If mice were people, this would mean an increased risk of contracting HIV.
Homosexuality and HIV / homosexuality and hiv
The reasons for such a special composition of the microflora of men in homosexual relationships are not clear. For at-risk men, this understanding is important because it means an increased risk of disease, Brent says.
