Coxsackie B4 virus

Coxsackievirus B4 virus
Coxsackie B4 virus
Virus classification
Group:	Group IV ((+)ssRNA)
Family:	Picornaviridae
Genus:	Enterovirus
Species:	Coxsackievirus B4 virus

Coxsackie B4 virus is a virus which can trigger an autoimmune reaction which results in destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, which is one of several different etiologies of diabetes mellitus.

An absolute deficiency of insulin renders the person a type 1 diabetic. There are several viruses in the Coxsackie family and many of them seem to evoke this response, as do several other agents. A genetic predisposition appears to be important, such that individuals with human leukocyte antigen types DR3 and DR4 predominate in the affected population.

External links

• Conquering Diabetes: A Strategic Plan for the 21st Century