[Type 1 diabetes mellitus--an infectious disease?].
Rubella infection in utero is associated with a high risk of later development of type 1 diabetes. The mechanism is still unclear although the balance between the so-called Th1 and Th2 immune response seems to be important. Whether viral infections are involved in the pathogenesis of the common type of immune mediated type 1 diabetes is still unclear. Prospective serological investigations suggest a higher frequency of enteroviral infections in utero or in early childhood in children later developing type 1 diabetes. There is a need for confirmatory investigations of these observations especially with regard to demonstration of viral genome.
Mandrup-Poulsen
Thomas R
TR
Steno Diabetes Center, Niels Steensens Vej 2, DK-2820 Gentofte. tmpo@novonordisk.com
D000818:Animals; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003384:Coxsackievirus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D004769:Enterovirus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012409:Rubella / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital / Q000276:immunology