Introduction:
Welcome to our educational video on biological agents causing cancer. This research involved 36 scientists from 16 countries and focuses on biological agents classified as 'carcinogenic to humans.
Hepatitis B and C Viruses:
Hepatitis B and C viruses are prevalent mainly in Asia and Africa, affecting over 470 million people worldwide. These viruses cause chronic liver inflammation, leading to hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. Hepatitis C virus also causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma, especially B-cell lymphoma.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV):
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infects almost everyone and causes cancers such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt’s lymphoma. In Southeast Asia, nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a common cancer, and in Africa, Burkitt’s lymphoma is prevalent in children. New evidence links EBV to gastric cancer, which is widespread globally.
Kaposi's Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV):
Kaposi's Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV) is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer common in people with HIV-1. The virus also causes primary effusion lymphoma and Castleman's disease.
HIV-1 :
HIV-1 weakens the immune system and increases the risk of Kaposi's sarcoma, lymphoma, and cervical cancer. Although antiretroviral therapy reduces cancer risk, the risk remains high.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV):
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical, genital, and oral cancers. Types like HPV-16 and HPV-18 are primarily responsible for cervical cancer. The virus induces genetic changes in cells leading to cancer.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori):
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is linked to gastric cancer and MALT lymphoma. Studies show that treating the bacteria can lead to lymphoma remission.
Parasitic Worms (Opisthorchis viverrini, Clonorchis sinensis, Schistosoma haematobium):
Parasitic worms like Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis are prevalent in Southeast Asia and cause bile duct cancer. Schistosoma haematobium, common in Africa, causes bladder cancer.
Summary and Conclusions:
Biological agents causing cancer are a crucial topic for awareness and ongoing research. It's important to know and protect against carcinogenic viruses and bacteria. Here is a summary table of cancer types and their causes:
Cancer Type Biological Agent
Hepatocellular carcinoma: Hepatitis B and C
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Hepatitis C, KSHV
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
Kaposi's sarcoma: KSHV, HIV-1
Cervical cancer: HPV
Gastric carcinoma: Helicobacter pylori
Bladder cancer: Schistosoma haematobium
Thank you for watching, and remember that prevention is key.