Does mumps infection play a role in the etiology and pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus?

Numerous experimental findings in animals as well as epidemiological and clinical observations support the hypothesis that certain viruses play a role in the pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Directly or via immune and/or autoimmune processes viruses might induce a beta-cell damage. An attempt is made to evaluate critically the arguments for the role of the mumps virus in the pathogenesis of IDDM. Based on their own experience, the authors hold the opinion that at present a causal connection between mumps infection and the development of IDDM cannot be proved beyond doubt. Prospective studies in humans including appropriate techniques of humoral and cellular immunity in relation to the beta-cell damage are required.