Frequency of vitamin D deficiency in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Mardan, Pakistan: a hospital-based study

Background: TB has remained a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Vitamin D increases natural immunity by causing the activation of macrophages and the production of antimicrobial peptides. We want to determine the levels of vitamin D deficiency in pulmonary tuberculosis. patients and to establish its correlation with demographic and clinical variables as well. Methods: This study was conducted in 100 patients diagnosed with pulmonary TB. The demographic data, clinical characteristics, and sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) status were taken, as well as the results of chest X-rays. Serum vitamin D concentrations were measured and classified into three categories: deficiency (<20 ng/mL), insufficiency (20–29 ng/mL), and sufficiency (>30 ng/mL). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Data were stratified, and the Chi-square test was applied to assess associations. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average level of serum vitamin D was 23.08 ±8.45 ng/ml. The frequency of Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 36% of patients, while 41% had insufficiency, resulting in an overall hypovitaminosis D prevalence of 77%. There were significant relationships between the status of vitamin D and age (p=0.020), gender (p=0.006), socioeconomic status (p=0.008), sputum AFB positivity (p=0.033) and chest X-ray findings (p=0.004). There was no notable correlation with body mass index, smoking status, prior TB infection and BCG vaccination status. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was found to be very common among the pulmonary TB patients, and there was a significant association between the condition and markers of the severity of pulmonary TB. Vitamin D deficiency Routine screening and correction could be included in TB management plans.