ISSN:
1573-7284
Keywords:
Diabetes
;
Reovirus
;
Mumps
;
Measles
;
Viral antibodies
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Type 1 diabetes mellitus is thought to derive from organ-specific autoimmune reactions, probably triggered by environmental factors. In view of the possible involvement of mumps virus and reoviruses in the pathogenesis of autoimmune endocrine disease, serum antibody levels to these viruses were measured in newly-diagnosed diabetic patients aged 5 to 25 years and in matched control subjects. Diabetic patients showed a significantly lower prevalence and reduced titers of antibodies to mumps and reoviruses. By contrast, the antibody response to measles virus (a non-diabetogenic agent) was remarkably similar in the two groups. It is suggested that individuals with an impaired humoral response to some viral agents are at increased risk of developing diabetes when exposed to pancreotropic viruses.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00234091
