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

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Date
2017
Authors
Lungu, P
Lakhi, S
Mateyo, K
Mubiana, E
Mwaba, P
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia, Medical Library
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.
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Keywords
Vitamin D Deficiency , Tuberculosis
Citation
Lungu, P. Lakhi, S. Mateyo, K. Mubiana, E. Mwaba, P. (2017). A Case Series Report of Tuberculosis Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency in Zambia. Medical Journal of Zambia 44(3)