ABSTRACT
Aim: Vitamin D affects the secretion of antimicrobial peptides
associated with toll-like receptor (TLR), which have antiviral effects.
It has been suggested that vitamin D may affect the susceptibility of
the host to varicella zoster virus (VZV) and the clinical course of zona
zoster.
Materials and Methods : In this study, 101 patients who were
diagnosed with zona zoster at the dermatology outpatient clinic and had
a vitamin D result at the time of diagnosis and a control group of 100
people were included. Results were analyzed statistically.
Results: The 25-OH vitamin D levels of the patients ranged from
2.37 to 32.98 µg / L and the mean value was 14.25 ± 7.20 µg / L. In the
control group, 25-OH vitamin D levels ranged between 10.3 and 44.25 µg /
L, and the mean value was 24.9 ± 6.24 µg / L. 25-OH vitamin D levels in
the patient group were significantly lower than the levels in the
control group. (p <0.001)
Conclusion: This study revealed that 25-OH vitamin D levels
were significantly lower in patients with zona zoster compared to the
control group. 25-OH vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of VZV
reactivation, and vitamin D supplementation in patients with vitamin D
deficiency in zona zoster may help the mild course of the disease.
Keywords: Zona zoster; Vitamin D; Varicella zoster virus