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Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Is Associated With Conjunctival Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Case-Control Study From Zimbabwe
Racheal S Dube Mandishora1,2,3, Luisa Galati4, Richard R Reich5
1Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer and the Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|April 16, 2024
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA was detected in Zimbabwean conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) cases, suggesting a potential role in disease development. Further research is needed to confirm causality due to low EBV RNA detection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) incidence is significantly higher in Zimbabwe compared to global rates.
- cSCC risk is elevated in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus, suggesting immune dysfunction and potential infectious causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association of DNA viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), with conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in a high-incidence population.
- To explore the presence and transcriptional activity of EBV in conjunctival precancer and invasive cSCC.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded conjunctival tissue samples from Zimbabwe using Luminex bead-based technology.
- Testing for multiple DNA viruses and assessing Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transcriptional activity via RNA transcripts (LMP1, EBNA1, BZLF1).
Main Results:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) type 1 DNA positivity showed a strong association with cSCC diagnosis (aOR 5.6) and a marginal association with precancer.
- EBV RNA transcripts, indicative of active transcription, were detected at low rates in controls, precancers, and cSCC cases, with no significant association with disease status.
Conclusions:
- The presence of EBV DNA suggests a potential role for Epstein-Barr virus in the etiology of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
- The low detection rate of EBV RNA indicates that further investigation is required to establish a causal link between EBV and cSCC.
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