Detection of Epstein-Barr virus and Human Cytomegalovirus in Colorectal Cancer Tissue by Real Time PCR

Abstract

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) are ubiquitous viruses. Many researchers studied the association ofthese two viruses with colorectal adenocarcinoma. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and viral load of EBV and HCMV in colorectal cancer tissues. Subjects and methods: A case-control study included 40 colorectal cancer (CRC) formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples, and 20 normal colonic FFPE tissues.DNA was extracted from these tissues and subjected for real time PCR quantification of EBV and HCMV DNA copies in these tissues. Results: Among these 40 CRC tissues, HCMV was detected in 20% (8/40) of CRC tissue and 5% (1/20) of normal tissues, p=0.064, with significantly higher frequency in rectal cancers (8/8) and in stages 3 and 4 tumors, while EBV was detected in 25% (10/40), and in 20% (4/20) of normal tissues, P=0.672, with no significant association with tumors' site, grade or stage. Conclusion: Human CMV could be considered an important risk factor in the development of rectal cancers ; however, EBV is not significantly associated with development of CRC.