Challenges of concurrent HIV infection in the course and management of Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic transmural bowel inflammation with a multifactorial etiology involving genetic predisposition and immune dysregulation in response to environmental triggers. In patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), an already compromised immune system further complicates the progression and management of CD, creating unique therapeutic challenges. Probiotics have recently gained attention as a potential therapeutic option for CD, especially due to their role in modulating the gut microbiota. However, their effectiveness in patients with HIV, especially in enhancing and maintaining remissions, remains underexplored. This review aimed to examine how HIV infection influences the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its impact on CD management strategies. A systematic literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer, and Web of Science to identify studies on patients with HIV and CD. HIV infection significantly alters the progression and management of CD due to its impact on the immune system. The immunosuppressed state of patients with HIV can complicate both the diagnosis and treatment of CD, often requiring adjustments in therapeutic approaches, necessitating a careful, tailored approach.