Association between Diabetes Mellitus and Immunity to Some Bacterial Infections

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major public health problem, affecting about 10% of the population, its pathogenesis and possible causes are still unclear. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Salmonella spp. are one of the most common human bacterial pathogens, and infection causes a wide array of systemic and gastric disorders. The aim of this study is to find a possible correlation between DM and immunity to some bacterial infections. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 serum specimens were collected from different groups, 34 patients with diabetes mellitus, 33 patients with prediabetic, and 33 persons as a control group. All these samples tested for random blood sugars (RBSs), immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody to H. pylori, antibodies to Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi, serum urea, and serum creatinine. Results: The mean of RBS in diabetic patients was 297.44 ± 84.662, while for the control group, it was 93.44 ± 9.702, with a high significant difference (P = 0.000). The prevalence of S. typhi and S. paratyphi among diabetic, prediabetic, and control groups was 32.35%, 27.27%, and 48.48%, respectively. No significant differences in urea and creatinine between all groups at P = 0.67 and P = 0.23, respectively. Conclusions: Significant differences between diabetic and control groups regarding IgG antibodies to H. pylori have been observed (P = 0.04). Hence, these antibodies represent a risk factor in DM. In spite of the high percentage of positive results for S. typhi and S. paratyphi in the control groups 48.48% compared to the diabetic group 32.35%, it is still insignificant at P = 0.17. Hence, antibodies to Salmonella spp. may represent the protective factor.