Vitamin D deficiency is associated with community-acquired clostridium difficile infection: a case–control study

Abstract

BackgroundClostridium difficile infection (CDI) is increasingly recognized as an important community acquired pathogen causing disease (CA-CDI). Vitamin D [25(OH)D] has immune modulatory effects and plays an important role in intestinal immunity. The role of vitamin D in CA-CDI has not been examined previously.MethodsThis was a single referral center case–control study. Cases comprised of all patients with CA-CDI who had a serum 25(OH)D measured within 12 months prior to infection. Controls were drawn from patients who had 25(OH)D checked and matched based on age, gender, race and health status. Serum 25(OH)D was stratified as < 15 ng/mL, 15-30 ng/mL or > 30 ng/mL. Regression models adjusting for potential confounders were used to define independent association between vitamin D and CA-CDI.ResultsWe identified 58 matched case–control pairs (66% women; 85% Caucasian). The mean age was 62 years. The mean serum 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in CA-CDI cases compared to controls (28.5 ng/mL vs. 33.8 ng/mL, p = 0.046). Cases had higher rate of antibiotic exposure and more comorbidity. Serum 25(OH)D < 15 ng/mL was associated with an increased risk of CA-CDI on univariate (Odds ratio (OR) 5.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51 – 17.24) and multivariate analysis (OR 3.84, 95% CI 1.10 – 13.42). Vitamin D levels between 15-30 ng/mL did not modify disease risk.ConclusionsLow serum 25(OH)D < 15 ng/mL was associated with increased risk of CA-CDI. This suggests vitamin D may have a role in determining susceptibility to CA-CDI.

Perioperative risk factors in patients with a femoral neck fracture – influence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and C-reactive protein on postoperative medical complications and 1-year mortality

“…In contrast to one year mortality, we identified 25(OH)D at admission to hospital as an independent predictor of postoperative medical complications which is in line with the majority of surgical outcome studies [ 26 ]. This result is also confirmed by several studies exhibiting an association between vitamin D deficiency and increased susceptibility to infections [ 27 , 28 ].…”

The influence of vitamin D deficiency on eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori

“…22 Recent studies have demonstrated the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and infectious diseases. 23,24 Vitamin D regulates the innate immune system in macrophages against Myco- …”

25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations and Clostridium difficile Infection: A Meta‐Analysis

“…4 Among the included studies, 3 reported 25(OH)D concentrations by C difficile diagnosis outcome (infected vs noninfected). 4,14,15 Three studies 5,6,16 assessed the association between 25(OH)D status (<20 ng/mL vs ≥20 ng/ mL) and CDI severity (mild vs severe). Finally, 4 studies 5,12,13,16 examined the association between 25(OH)D status (<20 ng/mL vs ≥20 ng/mL) and CDI recurrence (see Table 1).…”