'Infectious' bacteria can even cause Type 2 diabetes

Bacteria plays a vital role in causing infectious diseases but a new study has suggested that they may even cause one of the most prevalent diseases, Type 2 diabetes.

University of Iowa Research found that prolonged exposure to a toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria caused rabbits to develop the hallmark symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, including insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and systemic inflammation.

Research findings suggest that therapies aimed at eliminating staph bacteria or neutralizing the superantigens might have potential for preventing or treating Type 2 diabetes.

The study shows that superantigens interact with fat cells and the immune system to cause chronic systemic inflammation and this inflammation leads to insulin resistance and other symptoms characteristic of Type 2 diabetes.

Professor Patrick Schlievert said that he thinks that they have a way to intercede here and alter the course of diabetes.

He added that they have been working on a vaccine against the superantigens and they believe that this type of vaccine could prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.

The researched is published in journal mBio.