 One research focus is to modify "Lactobacillus", bacteria that naturally provide some protection against HIV, with genes that will further enhance this protection.If the bacteria do not form colonies inside the patient, the person must repeatedly ingest the modified bacteria in order to get the required doses.Enabling the bacteria to form a colony could provide a more long-term solution, but could also raise safety concerns as interactions between bacteria and the human body are less well understood than with traditional drugs.