What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to investigate the link between gut microbiome profiles and leanness in people with HIV.

January 14, 2026Open Forum Infectious Diseases0 citationsOpen Access

P-238. Insights from Gut Microbiome Profiling: Evtepia spp. as a Distinctive Marker of Leanness in People with HIV

MJMackenzie K JoeThe University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston IAIsabella Adachi MLMariano J. LodigianiThe University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Key Points

The research aims to investigate the link between gut microbiome profiles and leanness in people with HIV.
Assessed gut microbial diversity in 40 people living with HIV classified by body mass index (BMI).
Analyzed microbiome using next-generation sequencing targeting the 16S rRNA gene.
Evaluated differences in microbial genera abundance using ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc analyses and QIIME2 for diversity analyses.
No significant differences observed in alpha or beta diversity across BMI groups.
Evtepia spp. uniquely associated with lean body status, showing higher abundance in lean individuals (Lean: 0.156, Obese: 0.028; p = 0.029).
27 genera showed significant differences based on average mean scores, but only Evtepia spp. was linked specifically to leanness.

Abstract

Abstract Background Obesity is a comorbidity in people with HIV (PWH) that complicates disease management and overall health outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays an essential role in metabolism, immunity, and inflammation, potentially influencing obesity status. Similarly, the specific microbial genera associated with obesity versus leanness among PWH remain insufficiently understood. Methods Gut microbial diversity was assessed in 40 people living with HIV (PWH), classified into obese and lean groups based on body mass index (BMI). The microbiome was analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Differences in microbial genera abundance between groups were statistically evaluated using ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc analyses, complemented by alpha and beta diversity analyses performed with QIIME2. Results While previous studies demonstrate a link between obesity and changes in gut microbial diversity, our study did not observe significant differences in alpha or beta diversity across BMI groups. However, we identified a unique association of Evtepia spp. with lean body status. In total, 27 genera exhibited significant differences based on their overall average mean scores. Of these, Evtepia spp. uniquely demonstrated a significant difference between obese and lean individuals, with a higher relative abundance in the lean group (Lean: 0.156, Obese: 0.028, Control: 0.000; p = 0.029). The remaining genera differed significantly across groups overall but were not specifically associated with obesity status. Conclusion Through this study, Evtepia spp. emerged as a distinctive microbial genus significantly associated with lean body status in PWH, suggesting a potential role of this genus in metabolic health. The presence of beneficial gut microbiota like Evtepia spp. could help mitigate these metabolic disturbances by promoting better energy metabolism and reducing adiposity. Further research is needed to explore specific interventions that can enhance the presence of beneficial bacteria like Evtepia spp. in PWH. Disclosures Karen J. Vigil, MD, Gilead: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead: Honoraria|Theratechnologies: Grant/Research Support|ViiV: Advisor/Consultant|ViiV: Grant/Research Support

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