The role of virus infections in the pathogenesis of type I diabetes: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Coxsackie and mumps viruses are nowadays known to be pancreatropic viruses. However, the development of insulitis after viral infection is related to the genetic factor. Type I diabetes shows an association with the HLA antigens. HLA antigens are involved in cellular immune response and in the regulation of 1 T-cell activation. CASE REPORT: A female patient, 23 years of age, was admitted to the Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders. The onset of diabetes was preceded by recurrent viral infections. Her blood glucose levels oscillated, and HbAlc was 7.9%. The presence of IgM antibodies to Coxsackie virus was detected (titer 320 micro/ml). CONCLUSION: Each viral infection, especially in young people, should be taken seriously, and bed rest should be advised with symptomatic therapy. If we deal with patients with positive family history of diabetes, serum analysis should he performed or pancreatropic viruses, as well as follow up for several months checking the possible onset of diabetes.