Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Higher Risk of Oral Candidiasis in HIV Patients, finds study

In a groundbreaking case-control study, researchers have unveiled a compelling association between vitamin D deficiency and the prevalence of oral candidiasis in individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Oral candidiasis, a common opportunistic infection in HIV patients, has long been a concern, and this study sheds new light on the role of vitamin D levels in its occurrence.

The study results were published in the journal BMC Infectious diseases.

Oral candidiasis, a prevalent opportunistic infection affecting individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is now under the spotlight as a new study reveals a potential connection with vitamin D deficiency. Hence researchers conducted a study on a cohort of 206 individuals, including 104 cases diagnosed with oral candidiasis and 102 age- and sex-matched controls without the condition, to investigate the link between vitamin D levels and the incidence of oral candidiasis in HIV-infected patients.

Findings:

• The findings are striking.
• Patients with oral candidiasis exhibited markedly lower levels of 25-OH vitamin D3 compared to their counterparts without the infection.
• Furthermore, CD4 counts, a key indicator of immune function, were significantly lower in the group with oral candidiasis, suggesting a potential link between immune status and the occurrence of this opportunistic infection.
• Viral load, another critical parameter in HIV management, was notably higher in patients with oral candidiasis, emphasizing the complex interplay between viral activity and the development of opportunistic infections.
• The researchers employed multivariate logistic regression analysis to explore various factors influencing the risk of oral candidiasis.
• Educational status, current Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), history of oral candidiasis, CD4 count, viral load, and vitamin D level emerged as significant factors associated with the likelihood of developing oral candidiasis.
• Notably, the study found a staggering association between hypovitaminosis D and an increased risk of oral candidiasis in HIV patients.

Individuals with lower vitamin D levels were found to be at a significantly higher risk of developing oral candidiasis compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels. The implications of this research are substantial. Given the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among individuals living with HIV, especially those grappling with oral candidiasis, the study suggests that vitamin D supplementation could play a pivotal role in improving oral health and preventing the onset of this opportunistic infection. This groundbreaking research not only deepens our understanding of the intricate connections between vitamin D, immune function, and opportunistic infections in HIV patients but also opens avenues for potential interventions to enhance the overall well-being of individuals living with HIV.

Further reading: Tehrani, S., Abbasian, L., Dehghan Manshadi, S.A. et al. Vitamin D deficiency and oral candidiasis in patients with HIV infection: A case‒control study. BMC Infect Dis 24, 217 (2024). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-024-09065-x