Effects of Serum Calcium and Phosphorus levels among Tribal and Non-Tribal Population diagnosed with Pulmonary Tuberculosis and on Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment
Keywords:
tuberculosis, tuberculosis, tribal populations, tribal populations, non-tribal, non-tribal, calcium, calcium, phosphorus, phosphorus, anti-TB therapy, anti-TB therapy, mineral metabolism, mineral metabolismAbstract
Background: Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) stays a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, disproportionately affecting economically deprived and malnourished populations [1]. Mineral metabolism disturbances—particularly in calcium and phosphorus—are frequently reported in TB due to chronic inflammation and the metabolic demands of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection [2]. Tribal communities, often socially and geographically marginalized, may experience these biochemical shifts more profoundly due to nutritional disparities and reduced healthcare access [3]. Hence, our study was aimed to assess the level of serum calcium and phosphorus in pulmonary tuberculosis patients those are newly diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
Methods: A study was conducted among tribal (n=123) and non-tribal (n=84) populations were diagnosed with PTB. Serum calcium and phosphorus were measured among newly diagnosed patients and after completion of the intensive phase (3 months), during the continuation phase of anti-tuberculosis treatment. Patients received standardized first-line anti-TB therapy as per national guidelines [4]. Demographic data and clinical parameters were recorded. Differences in mean serum levels were evaluated, and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of mineral disturbances.
Results: It has been noticed that both groups of newly diagnosed PTB patients have minor hypocalcemia. However, tribal participants had significantly lower serum calcium (p<0.05) than non-tribal patients. Phosphorus levels were marginally higher in tribal participants initially, but they decreased more sharply during treatment (p<0.05). By the end of 3 month of therapy, both groups showed improvements in serum calcium, though the tribal group’s values remained comparatively lower (p<0.05). Nutritional status and BMI before treatment were significant predictors of abnormal mineral dynamics (p<0.01).
Conclusion: This study highlights differential patterns in serum calcium and phosphorus among tribal vs. non-tribal TB patients, suggesting that socio-environmental factors contribute to mineral homeostasis during anti-TB treatment. Targeted nutritional interventions and close monitoring of mineral status in vulnerable populations could enhance treatment outcomes and mitigate long-term sequelae.
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