| 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.