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Protective immune response in urinary tract is frequently impaired in patients with diabetes. Immunity in this mucosal compartment displays unique characteristics; e.g. absence of physiological microflora and lack of mucus. Pathogens are identified by the PRR receptors expressed on both epithelial and immune cells. Inflammatory response characterised by the acumulation ofgranulocytes is followed. Both protective and harm characteristics of inflammatory response are inseparable linked and delineated by gene polymorphisms in PRR receptors.

Principles of prevention of infectious diseases have been known for several thousands of years. One of the most significant tools of infection prophylaxis is immunization. Vaccines containing thymus-dependent antigens produce massive and complex immune response and feature immunologic memory. That is why they can successfully protect patients with diabetes. Lately, it has been thought by general public and even experts that application of vaccines within national immunization programmes is one of the etiopathogenetic factors in the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). However, analysis of extensive studies performed by the experts of the Institute for Vaccine Safety proved that there is no positive or negative impact of immunization on the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The basic vaccinations recommended for diabetics include immunizations against influenza, pneumococcal infections, tetanus and viral hepatitis B. Other vaccines are administered only after individual assessment of benefits and risks for the diabetic patient. Most often, these are vaccinations against viral hepatitis A, tick-borne encephalitis, meningococcal infections and other infections that put in risk diabetic patients travelling abroad.