The association between serum level of vitamin D and asymptomatic bacteriuria in pre- and postmenopausal women evaluated during 2011 - 2016

Abstract

Background: The significant role of vitamin D in bacterial infections through induction of cathelicidin, as an antimicrobial protein, has been clearly addressed in the literature. Previous studies have demonstrated that women taking vitamin D supplements are more likely to produce cathelicidin, compared to the controls. Vitamin D could play a protective role against asymptomatic bacteriuria and urinary tract infections. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D level and asymptomatic bacteriuria in pre- and postmenopausal women. Methods: This case-control study was performed during 6 years (2011 - 2016) in Tehran, Iran. A total of 65 pre- and postmenopausal women with asymptomatic bacteriuria were enrolled in the study. The serum level of vitamin D was measured in cases with asymptomatic bacteriuria and compared with 65 age-matched women with no asymptomatic bacteriuria (control group). Results: The serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was significantly lower in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria, compared to women without asymptomatic bacteriuria. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that serum vitamin D level was significantly associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria in both pre- and postmenopausal women. These results underscore the importance of understanding the nonskeletal function of vitamin D, particularly its immunomodulatory effects on the prevention of infectious diseases. However, further prospective studies with a larger sample size are required to substantiate the available evidence.