deficiency (VDD) as a risk factor for developing tuberculosis (TB).

Aim: To study the association between low serum vitamin D levels and risk of developing active tuberculosis.

Methodology: A sample of forty eight outdoor/ admitted patients with TB (pulmonary or extra–pulmonary) was selected (group I) as per the

inclusion and exclusion criteria and was compared with 48 age and gender matched controls (group II). Controls were drawn randomly from

patients visiting out–patient department for minor ailments or healthy relatives of the patients. Their routine hematological and biochemical

parameters were tested along with vitamin D status, which was assessed by the chemiluminescent method. Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 [25 (OH)

D3] levels < 30 ng/ml was considered vitamin D deficiency.

Results: Mean (SD) levels of vitamin D in group 1 was 21.7(±13) whereas mean (SD) levels of group 2 was 40.6(±8.5) (p = 0.000). Severe

deficiency was seen in 2(4.4%), moderate deficiency was seen in 28(62.2%), mild deficiency was seen in 3(6.7%) and normal levels were seen in

12(26.7%) among the tuberculosis patients. 36 patients in group 1(73.3 %) were deficient in vitamin D as compared to 2 (4.5%) controls (2 out of

48) with p < 0.001. Patients with moderate to severe vitamin D deficiency were more likely to be open cases (smear positive) than those with mild

deficiency and adequate levels (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Patients with TB had a significant deficiency of vitamin D as compared to the controls. Vitamin D deficiency was, thus, associated

with higher risk of developing TB. Severity of vitamin D deficiency could be related to the severity of TB.