Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 23: A clinical study from Colombia has found a strong link between low vitamin D levels and increased severity of dengue infection, a finding that holds particular relevance for India, where dengue remains a major public health challenge and vitamin D deficiency is widespread.
The study, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, the peer-reviewed journal of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), analysed blood samples from nearly 100 laboratory-confirmed dengue patients and compared them with healthy individuals. Researchers assessed serum vitamin D levels and microRNA-155 (miRNA-155), a molecule known to regulate immune and inflammatory responses.
The findings showed that patients with milder dengue had comparatively higher vitamin D levels, while those with warning signs or severe disease exhibited significant deficiency. At the same time, miRNA-155 levels increased steadily with disease severity, suggesting an exaggerated immune response in severe cases.
Researchers also observed an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and inflammatory markers such as TNF-alpha and interleukin-6, both of which are associated with severe dengue and complications including dengue haemorrhagic fever.
Commenting on the study, Dr R. Goswami, professor of endocrinology at AIIMS, said the findings reinforce earlier evidence linking vitamin D deficiency with severe dengue. He noted that the study adds insight into a possible disease mechanism through miRNA-155, which plays a role in immune dysregulation, and stressed the importance of maintaining normal vitamin D levels.
Indian clinicians say the results align with their experience. Dr Pankaj Soni, principal director (internal medicine) at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, said low vitamin D is often associated with bleeding tendencies and complications in dengue patients, potentially worsening inflammation and viral replication. However, he cautioned that vitamin D should be viewed as a modifiable risk factor rather than a treatment.
Dr Atul Gogia, head of infectious diseases at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said severe dengue is frequently driven by a cytokine storm, and correcting vitamin D deficiency could help reduce complications. He added that larger, well-controlled trials are needed before firm clinical recommendations can be made.
With dengue cases surging every monsoon season in India, the study highlights the need for further research into preventive strategies that could help identify and reduce the risk of severe disease.