Is enterovirus infection associated with subsequent diabetes?

January 01, 0001

Is enterovirus infection associated with subsequent diabetes?

These Australian researchers examined the link between molecularly proven enterovirus infection and development of subsequent type 1 diabetes. They performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational human studies using PubMed and Embase, references from the garnered articles, and direct contact with authors for cohort or case-control studies that documented enterovirus RNA or protein in samples from diabetic or prediabetic patients. A random effects model was used for analysis.

The researchers found: "The 24 papers and two abstracts (all case- control studies) that met the eligibility criteria included 4448 participants. Study design varied greatly, with a high level of statistical heterogeneity. The two separate outcomes were diabetes related autoimmunity or type 1 diabetes. Meta-analysis showed a significant association between enterovirus infection and type 1 diabetes related autoimmunity (odds ratio 3.7) and clinical type 1 diabetes (9.8)."

The researchers concluded: "There is a clinically significant association between enterovirus infection, detected with molecular methods, and autoimmunity/type 1 diabetes. Larger prospective studies would be needed to establish a clear temporal relation between enterovirus infection and the development of autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes."

Enterovirus infection may contribute to subsequent autoimmune diabetes


For the full abstract, click here.

BMJ 342:d35, 3 February 2011 © 2011 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
Enterovirus infection and type 1 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational molecular studies. Wing-Chi G Yeung, William D Rawlinson, Maria E Craig. Correspondence to M Craig: [email protected]

Category: T. Endocrine/Metabolic/Nutritional, D. Digestive. Keywords: enterovirus, molecular markers, diabetes, type 1, autoimmune, systematic review with meta-analysis, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Paul Schaefer, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 22 February 2011

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

COVID-19 Resources

WONCA webinars, journal links and more

WONCA position statements

WONCA statements on a variety of issues

PEARLS

577 Individual behavioural counselling helps people to quit smoking 575 Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements may be beneficial in age-related macular degeneration 574 Oral antifungals effective for toenail onychomycosis 570 Decision aids beneficial for people facing health treatment or screening decisions 569 Computer-generated reminders on paper benefit quality of care