Researchers from the University of Melbourne suggest that the rotavirus infection could be linked to triggering the onset of Type 1 diabetes.
Vaccination programs in Australia have significantly decreased mortality rates as a result of the highly contagious stomach bug, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting. The researchers note a 15% decrease in the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in children under the age of four following the introduction of the rotavirus vaccination in Australia.
The researchers also reviewed molecular evidence, which showed strong similarities between the rotavirus and islet autoantibodies. Because the rotavirus mimics autoantibodies, it lends itself to the theory that rotavirus could trigger Type 1 diabetes.