Infections in Early Life and Development of Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Viral infections, particularly enteroviruses, 1 have been hypothesized to cause type 1 diabetes (T1D). 2 Recent studies suggest that respiratory tract infections are associated with increased T1D risk if they are encountered within the first 6 months. 3 We explored associations between infection types during the first 2 years and between respiratory tract infections in the first 6 months and T1D in a population-based cohort.

Respiratory infections are temporally associated with initiation of type 1 diabetes autoimmunity: the TEDDY study

“…Parent-reported early childhood respiratory infections showed no association with islet autoimmunity in a prospective study in the USA [3], whereas respiratory infections were associated with islet autoimmunity in two small European prospective studies; the environmental triggers for type 1 diabetes study (MIDIA) and a primary dietary intervention study to reduce the risk of islet autoimmunity in children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes (BABYDIET) [4, 5]. An analysis of statutory health insurance claims data of individuals from Bavaria, Germany, suggested an association between early life respiratory infections and later clinical type 1 diabetes [6]. Common microbes that cause respiratory tract infections include enteroviruses, which have been reported to show an association with an increased risk of type 1 diabetes [7–9] and are often found in the pancreatic islets of individuals with type 1 diabetes [10, 11].…”

Diabetes and Viral Infection

“…This review summarize the role of some viruses in the development of type 1 diabetes. Copyright: ©2017 Shaheen between respiratory infections during the early life (first year) of children and islet autoimmunity [27,28]. In Swedish study, the developing islet autoantibodies can be increased in the pregnant woman who infected with enterovirus in early pregnancy [29].…”

“…In animal models, fewer infections showed increase in the development of autoimmune disease, while more infections at an early age protected the mice against diabetes (interestingly, infections in some animal models are not necessarily in protection against autoimmune disease) [33]. However, Beyerlein et al [27] reported that the recurrent infection with respiratory virus in the first yrar of life were associated with an increased risk of T1D by age 8.…”

“…The authors also find that there was no link between islet autoimmunity and upper respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, or fevers [26]. In contrast, there was association between respiratory infections during the early life (first year) of children and islet autoimmunity [27,28]. In Swedish study, the developing islet autoantibodies can be increased in the pregnant woman who infected with enterovirus in early pregnancy [29].…”

“…In animal models, fewer infections showed increase in the development of autoimmune disease, while more infections at an early age protected the mice against diabetes (interestingly, infections in some animal models are not necessarily in protection against autoimmune disease) [33]. However, Beyerlein et al [27] reported that the recurrent infection with respiratory virus in the first yrar of life were associated with an increased risk of T1D by age 8.Tracy et al [34] suggested that induction or protection of viruses against T1D depends on several factors such as an individual's genetics, the type of virus and its dose, the age of the individual, and whether the individual has previous immunity to that virus. However, one study found the living of children (0-3 years but not in later life) in crowded houses was associated with an increased risk factors of developing T1D [35].…”