Title : The proteomic comparison of the infant gut and microbiome in African HIV exposed infants
Abstract:
The new victims of the HIV pandemic are the HIV exposed but uninfected infants, who have avoided HIV infected but have an increased morbidity and mortality rate compared to their healthy counterparts. In Southern Africa, 90% of pregnant women are accessing ARVs to prevent Mother to Child Transmission. However, in resource limited settings Option B+ (exclusive breastfeeding on Highly Active antiretroviral treatment) is recommended by the World Health Organization for 4-6 months for the best infant outcome. However, despite these precautions HIV exposed uninfected infants’ growth remains stunted and they have lower birth weights than unexposed infants. These side effects are accompanied by a 3-fold higher death rate. Due to the delayed development, an altered immunity could be contributing to the vulnerability of these infants making them susceptible to disease and mortality.
To assess their development, the HIV exposed uninfected infants’ gut proteome and microbiome’s proteome was analyzed in this study by using mass spectrometry and SWATH acquisition. Furthermore, deep data analysis into the pathways involved and proteins present was conducted. Consequently, providing insight into the functioning of the infant’s gut and subsequent microbiome. Through this analysis a deeper understanding into the mechanisms involved in the infant’s development and gut health was observed. The identification and investigation into the gut microbiome’s proteome shows what affects the gut functioning and if HIV exposure results in a shift in the microbiome. Subsequently, how the shift in microbiome could affect the infants’ immunity and development compared to their healthy counterparts.
What will audience learn from your presentation?
- The audience will be able to learn about the proteomics and metaproteomics behind the formation of an infant’s gut, as well as gain insight into how HIV exposed may alter the gut microbiome. This could allow for further studies to be conducted and possible collaborations for further investigations into the findings.
- This research could be expanded into further studies and even have solution-based studies performed to help the vulnerable population under investigation.
- The audience can also learn more about the technique used (SWATH) for applications into their own research.
