SARS-CoV-2 Infection Is Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

In 2019, the coronavirus pandemic broke out as a serious public health issue worldwide. In Côte d'Ivoire, the number of cases of COVID-19 has increased rapidly. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2) binds to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors in the respiratory tracts and enters the respiratory and alveolar cells of infected patients. Deficiency of fat-soluble vitamin D 3 is associated with respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary fibrosis by activation of the renin-angiotensin system. In Côte d'Ivoire, very little research is being done on SARS-CoV-2 and vitamin D. The objective of this study was to assess the vitamin D status of people infected and suffering from COVID-19 in order to contribute to their medical treatment. The study involved 100 adults infected with SARS-CoV-2 (24 women and 76 men). After confirmation of the patient's SARS-CoV-2 status by RT-PCR, the 25 (OH) vitamin D assay was performed on the Cobas 6000 device and compared to control subjects, the non-COVID-19 positive. A significant decrease in 25-hydroxy vitamin D 3 concentrations (44 ± 1.29 nmole/L) was observed in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, compared to control (78 ± 0.68 nmole/L) (p < 0.0001). The 25-hydroxy vitamin D 3 deficiency requires vitamin D supplementation in the management of hospitalized patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.