Epstein-Barr virus is associated with gastric carcinoma: The question is what is the significance?

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

Hugo Sousa (Author) Other; Ana L Pinto Correia (Author) Other; Rui Medeiros (Author) ICBAS; Mario Dinis Ribeiro (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: World Journal of Gastroenterology

Vol. 14 No. 9

Pages: 4347-4351

ISSN: 1007-9327

Publisher: Baishideng Publishing Group

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 48 Citations

Scopus - 53 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Clinical medicine

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-XQ0

DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.4347

Abstract (EN): AIM: To examine the possible role of the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in the development of gastric adenocarcinoma (GC). It is unclear whether EBV is involved in GC development or is a consequence of gastric inflammation secondary to immunosuppressive treatments. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out of all published observational studies on the temporal association between EBV and GC, with a view to determine a causal relationship. RESULTS: The present study showed that the worldwide crude prevalence of EBV in gastric adenocarcinoma was 8.29%. The prevalence varied from 7.08% for intestinal type and 9.82% for diffuse type of GC. It was observed that Western and Central Asian countries had a significantly higher frequency of EBV positive cases compared to South-Eastern countries. America had the highest EBV-GC prevalence whereas Europe had the lowest. CONCLUSION: The present review has demonstrated a high prevalence of EBV in gastric adenocarcinoma. However, studies designed to assess a temporal relationship and histological association using sensitive techniques should be carried out to establish the role of EBV in GC carcinogenesis.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5