A Case Series Report of Tuberculosis Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency in Zambia

Abstract

An association of Vitamin D deficiency with Tuberculosis remains a valid assumption. It has been observed that TB is highly prevalent in certain ethnic groupings and regions of the world. Populations with darker skins are prone to vitamin D deficiency. The regions inhabited by people with darker skin coincides with high TB burden settings. Vitamin D has a key role in immune-modulation of the host response to Mycobacterium Tuberculosis infection. Studies have demonstrated early sputum culture conversion to negative, clinical recovery and radiological improvement with Vitamin D supplementation. However, there is currently no consensus on the advantages of this supplementation in TB treatment. We present the first case series report of pulmonary TB patients with severe deficiency of Vitamin D in Zambia. Additional data from randomised control studies is warranted.

Keywords: Vitamin D, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Immune Modulation