Seroepidemiologic Testing in Man for Evidence of Antibodies to Feline Leukemia Virus and Bovine Leukemia Virus

Clues to cancer etiology from studies of farmers.

“…Farmers may also come into contact with animals infected with oncogenic viruses. Excessesof acute lymphocytic leukemia were reported among farmers residing in Iowa counties where dairy herds were infected with the bovine leukemia virus (66), but there is no serologic evidence suggesting transmission to humans (67,68). However, other oncogenic viruses are prevalent in farm animals, and excessrisks of soft-tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and leukemia have been observed among slaughterhouse workers (3) and veterinarians (2).…”

Bovine leukemia virus detection in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“… Title Year Journal Site * Refs. 1 Seroepidemiologic testing in men for evidence of antibodies to the feline leukemia virus and bovine leukemia virus 1976 Bibliotheca Haematologica USA Caldwell et al. (1976) 2 Seroepidemiologic studies on the possible relationships of human and bovine leukemia: Brief communication 1977 Journal of the National Cancer Institute USA Donham et al.…”

“…Serological studies based on the detection of antibodies against BLV in humans show conflicting results. Studies based only on classical serological techniques such as complement fixation and agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), showed no evidence of human antibodies against BLV ( Caldwell et al., 1976 ; Donham et al., 1977 ). One study compared the sensitivity of AGID test versus the immunoblot, which is a more sensitive technique.…”

Animal Viruses, Bacteria, and Cancer: A Brief Commentary

“…Similarly, tumors induced in immunocompetent mammals with Rous sarcoma virus do not present neutralizing antibodies (14). In contrast, some animal viruses [e.g., feline leukemia virus (FeLV)] have been observed to replicate in vitro in human cells (15,16). Sera collected from 69% of 107 persons among 46 households with at least 1 FeLV gs-a positive cat tested positive for antibodies against FeLV (15).…”

“…In contrast, some animal viruses [e.g., feline leukemia virus (FeLV)] have been observed to replicate in vitro in human cells (15,16). Sera collected from 69% of 107 persons among 46 households with at least 1 FeLV gs-a positive cat tested positive for antibodies against FeLV (15). Although it is unclear exactly how antibodies directed toward animal viruses could have oncogenic or mitogenic effects on host cells, these findings support the idea that long-lasting "biological memory" of animal virus exposure can exist within the host in the absence of direct effects on host DNA.…”