Can the rotavirus vaccination reduce the incidence of Type 1 diabetes?

As the global epidemic of obesity and type two diabetes in children and adults continues to be a major challenge to public health, an intriguing possible ‘off-target’ effect of the rotavirus vaccine and association with a reduction in the incidence of Type 1 diabetes, has been reported in JAMA Paediatrics. An Australian study from a team in Melbourne, JAMA Pediatr 2019;173(3):280-282. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.4578) and is the first report of epidemiological evidence of this possible and fascinating association.

Nearly 20 years ago it was recognised the rotavirus may have an effect on islet cells auto immunity (Diabetes 2000;49(8):1319–1324. doi:10.2337/diabetes.49.8.1319). Rotavirus vaccination was introduced in Australia in 2007. The team examined the incidence of type 1 diabetes, 8 years before the introduction of the vaccine and compared the incidence to the 8 years after introduction. They hypothesised that the rotavirus vaccination may reduce the incidence of the disease over time.

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from Archives of Disease in Childhood current issue http://bit.ly/2II2PDR