The vitamin D endocrine system plays an essential role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism required for optimal absorption of dietary calcium and phosphate. Apart from role in calcium homeostasis other biological actions include induction of cell differentiation, inhibition of cell growth, immunomodulation and control of other hormonal systems. Several studies have demonstrated low serum vitamin 25(OH)D levels in populations across India. Very high percentage of HIV -infected people live in areas of the world where nutritional deficiencies are also highly prevalent, and the interactions between HIV and nutritional status have been documented. In last few years there have been reports suggesting an increased prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in HIV positive patients ^7,8,9. Middle-aged persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are at risk for numerous co-morbidities typically seen including metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and fractures, insulin resistance, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment and opportunistic infection .Many of which have also been associated with vitamin D deficiency.

HIV infection and exposure to certain antiretroviral might contribute to altered levels of 25(OH) vitamin D.Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency may increase the incidence of opportunistic infection in HIV patients. Vitamin D level in HIV patients and its co- relation with opportunistic infection and immunological status are not yet well defined. Therefore present study is designed to find the correlation between HIV status and vitamin D levels.

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Dr Sivaprakash Varadan

Assistant Professor