Abstract: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic infectious disease caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Characterized by high transmissibility and incurability, AIDS predominantly affects men who have sex with men (MSM). The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining intestinal mucosal barrier function, regulating innate immunity, and preserving intestinal homeostasis. However, HIV infection disrupts the host's gut microbiota through multiple pathways. Given their distinct sexual practices, MSM are more susceptible to gut microbiota dysbiosis and exhibit a higher risk of HIV acquisition, suggesting a more pronounced interplay between HIV and gut microbiota in this population. Furthermore, inflammatory cytokines are intricately linked to both HIV infection and gut microbiota impairment, rendering HIV-infected MSM particularly vulnerable to inflammation-associated gut microbial damage. Different antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens exert significantly varied impacts on the gut microbiota of people living with HIV (PLWH), highlighting the need to carefully consider the potential effects of medications on gut microbial ecology when selecting clinical treatment strategies. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the relationship between HIV infection and gut microbiota in MSM, aiming to inform future exploration of microbiota-targeted interventions for HIV-associated comorbidities.

Key words: Men who have sex with men, Human immunodeficiency virus, Gut microbiota