Cytomegalovirus seropositivity relates inversely to cancer incidences across races and ethnicities: implications for oncoprevention

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundRace and ethnic disparities in cancer incidence rates and the prevalence ofcytomegalovirus(CMV) are known to exist in the United States (U.S.) but also across broad geographic expanses. CMV prevalence seems to inversely contrast tumor incidence rates both in ethnic groups and globally. Is there a biological link between cancer and CMV infection? Most recent clinical results seem to certify it.MethodsGlobal cancer data were retrieved from the World Health Organization (WHO) database. Incidence of cancer and CMV seroprevalence (73 countries) were subjected to Spearman’s correlation test. The Bayesian framework was adopted for CMV seropositivity variables. Relevant data for the U.S. were extracted from publications based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), 1988-2004.ResultsAn inversely directed coupling between cancer and CMV seropositivity across diverse ecologies and cultural domains suggest a global oncoprotective effect of the CMV (Spearman’sρ= -0.732;p<0.001). Rates of all cancers combined and CMV seropositivity show an opposite association (p<0.001) among the races and foremost U.S. ethnic groups.ConclusionThe racial/ethnic incidence of cancers and CMV seropositivity are inversely proportional both in the U.S. and globally. This would support a view that CMV is a potential driver against tumorigenesis. An absence of CMV infection abrogates protection against malignant clones afforded to an infected host. Abating CMV seroprevalence may relate causally to the buildup of malignancies in U.S. and the West world countries with thriving hygiene and healthcare systems.ImportanceIncreasing evidence substantiates the potential of cytomegalovirus (CMV) to counteract tumors, particularly in the field of anti-cancer vaccinology, leading to extended periods of survival. This research unveils a robust and inverse correlation between the prevalence of CMV and the occurrence of cancer both within the United States and on a global scale (73 countries), hinting at the ability of CMV to inhibit tumor development. Furthermore, this phenomenon remains consistent across various racial and ethnic groups within the United States and applies to a diverse range of cancer types. A notable pattern emerges: the higher the prevalence of the viral infection, the lower the incidence of tumors within a given country. These findings support existing insights from clinical and experimental investigations, underscoring the notion that this effect becomes apparent at the level of entire nations and populations worldwide.