Gut bacteria may help control HIV, researchers find

Researchers have discovered that gut bacteria and a specific dipeptide may help some people with HIV control the virus without treatment, potentially opening new avenues for prevention. The study, presented at the 23rd European Conference on HIV and Hepatitis 2025, analyzed the gut microbiota of "elite controllers" and found a link between HIV control and previously unknown bacterial species, building on prior research on the dipeptide WG. The findings suggest that these bacteria may produce WG or other substances that contribute to virus control, potentially leading to the development of microbicides to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.