The CVB and etiology of type 1 diabetes

Abstract

The origins of type 1 diabetes (T1D) are largely unknown. Fewer than 50% of the cases of the disease are attributable to host genetics, indicating that environmental factors are involved in disease development. The most often cited environmental agents implicated as initiators of T1D are the human enteroviruses, in particular the group B coxsackieviruses (CVB). Although the connection between the CVB and T1D has not been firmly established, significant evidence supports the role of these pathogens in T1D development. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.