Protective Role of Vitamin D as a Cellular Immuno-Modulator in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infected Health Care Workers

Abstract

Background: Specific environmental and host-related factors support the epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) in South Africa. Epidemiological data show high-risk ratio to acquire TB infection by health care workers (HCW). Methods: Current literature review will provide new information on the protective role of vitamin D in controlling of the TB epidemic and why old preventative nutritional measure of vitamin D-fortified pasteurized milk may contributed in decrease of the TB epidemic in USA during the second half of the 20th century. Results: The risk ratio of acquiring TB is over 300 times higher for South African HCW then American HCW according to the ratio of incidence of TB in these 2 countries. Recent published research in human physiology, pathophysiology and clinical medicine showed that vitamin D supplementation could optimize innate protection against the development of tuberculosis and correct host-related susceptibility to tuberculosis. Conclusion: Specific host-related factors in high-risk environment predispose local HCW to acquire the TB infection. Long-term vitamin D supplementation is a low cost measure, which may overcome host-related innate defense limitations and improve outcomes.