SEROLOGICAL RESPONSE TO VACCINES IN CHILDREN WITH DIABETES

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) exhibit increased susceptibility to infections.
• Immune system deficiencies may contribute to the heightened infection risk in diabetic individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare antibody responses to various vaccines in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and a healthy control group.
• To identify potential differences in vaccine efficacy or immunity between diabetic and non-diabetic children.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 90 children with type 1 DM and 90 healthy controls, all under 15 years of age.
• Antibody levels against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B (HB) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in IgG antibody levels were observed between diabetic children and controls for pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, mumps, and hepatitis B vaccines.
• While IgG levels against measles vaccine were positive in 62% of diabetic children versus 84% of controls, no significant difference was found. A significant difference was noted for rubella IgG levels, though the applied kit showed no significant difference between groups.

Conclusions:

• Vaccination with pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, mumps, and hepatitis B elicits comparable antibody responses in vaccinated diabetic children and controls.
• The study raises concerns regarding measles and rubella vaccine-induced immunity in children with diabetes, warranting further research to confirm these findings and explore underlying mechanisms.