B. Infantis to Boost Immunity in Infants Exposed to HIV

Bifidobacterium Infantis Supplementation in Early Life to Improve Immunity in Infants Exposed to HIV: a Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind Trial

NA · University of Cape Town · NCT05923333

This study is testing if giving a probiotic to infants born to HIV-positive mothers can help boost their immunity and improve their gut health during the first few months of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages0 Days to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Cape Town (other)
Locations1 site (Cape Town)
Trial IDNCT05923333 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of B. infantis Rosell®-33 supplementation on infants born to HIV-positive mothers. It aims to assess changes in gut microbiome composition, intestinal inflammation markers, and immune responses to vaccines over the first 36 weeks of life. The study involves a randomized, controlled design where 200 breastfed infants will receive either the probiotic or a placebo for the first month. Participants will be monitored for growth, morbidity, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include infants born to HIV-positive mothers who are HIV-negative at birth and are planning to be exclusively breastfed.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with severe illnesses or chronic disorders that could affect immunity.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance immune function and overall health outcomes in infants exposed to HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with probiotic supplementation in improving gut health and immune responses, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria Mother:

* Willing and able to provide signed and dated informed consent form
* 18 years of age or older
* Documented HIV seropositive
* Antiretroviral therapy initiated before the third trimester of pregnancy
* Planning on exclusively breastfeeding the infant for the first 6 months of life

Inclusion Criteria Infant:

* Documented HIV seronegative at birth
* Born at term (completed at least 37 weeks of gestation)
* Birth weight \>2.4kgs

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe illnesses, e.g. Sepsis
* current TB or known household TB contact
* Chronic disorder or medications (other than antiretrovirals and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis) that in the opinion of the investigator would alter immunity
* Pregnancy or delivery complications including birth asphyxia, seizures, sepsis, major congenital anomalies or congenital infections
* Known contraindications to components of the interventional products
* Taking additional probiotics or prebiotics
* Any condition that in the opinion of the investigator would make participation in the trial unsafe

Where this trial is running

Cape Town

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hiv, Vaccine Reaction, Microbial Colonization, Infant Development

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.