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Mumps infection and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)
Insights
Mumps infection may increase diabetes risk in children. A screening found impaired glucose tolerance in 3.5% of children, with high rates of islet cell antibodies (ICA) and islet cell surface antibodies (ICSA).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Mumps infection is a potential trigger for autoimmune diabetes.
- Islet cell antibodies (ICA) and islet cell surface antibodies (ICSA) are markers of autoimmune pancreatic beta cell destruction.
- Identifying at-risk populations is crucial for prospective diabetes studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen children with a history of mumps infection for diabetes risk.
- To investigate the relationship between mumps infection, islet cell antibodies (ICA/ICSA), and glucose tolerance.
- To select a cohort for a prospective study on autoimmune diabetes development.
Main Methods:
- A diabetic survey was conducted on 1581 children (<16 years) with recent mumps infection.
- Screening included questionnaires and urinary glucose analysis.
- A subgroup of 86 children underwent follow-up oral glucose tolerance tests, ICA, and ICSA testing.
Main Results:
- Of 1080 screened children, 1% had a positive urine glucose screen, all with normal oral glucose tolerance tests.
- Impaired glucose tolerance was diagnosed in 3.5% of the 86 children tested, irrespective of initial urine glucose results.
- Prevalence of ICA was 78%, ICSA was 36%, and simultaneous ICA/ICSA was 33% in the follow-up group.
Conclusions:
- Mumps infection may be associated with impaired glucose tolerance and autoimmunity in children.
- High prevalence of ICA and ICSA suggests an autoimmune process following mumps infection.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the role of mumps and these antibodies in progressive beta cell destruction.
Abstract:
In order to select a population at risk for the development of diabetes for a prospective study of the relationship of islet cell antibodies (ICA), islet cell surface antibodies ( ICSA ), and glucose tolerance after mumps infection, we carried out a screening program for diabetes. A diabetic survey was conducted among 1581 children (less than 16 yr of age) with mumps infection 14 mo before the survey, using a brief questionnaire combined with urinary glucose analysis. Responses to the screening program were obtained from 68.4% (N = 1080) of the children. Out of a total of 1080 subjects, 1069 (99%) had no diabetes mellitus, diabetic symptoms, or glucosuria. A "positive urine glucose screen" was obtained in 11 subjects (1%) of the study group. These individuals all had a normal oral glucose tolerance test according to the new WHO definition. A group of 86 children was randomly selected from the total group of 1080 children for follow-up glucose tolerance, ICA, and ICSA . Irrespective of the negative urine glucose screen impaired glucose tolerance was diagnosed in 3.5% (N = 3) of the 86 children. The prevalence of ICA and ICSA was 78% and 36%, respectively. The simultaneous prevalence of ICA and ICSA was 33%. The pathogenetic role of mumps infection and ICA/ ICSA and their possible relationship to slow progressive beta cell destruction remain to be elucidated.