Animal Viruses, Bacteria, and Cancer: A Brief Commentary

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Ethan J. Anderson (Creator)

Stephen W. Davies (Creator)

Jimmy T. Efird (Creator)

Wesley T. O’Neal (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Extracted text; Animal viruses and bacteria are ubiquitous in the environment. However, little is known about their mode of transmission and etiologic role in human cancers, especially among high-risk groups (e.g., farmers, veterinarians, poultry plant workers, pet owners, and infants). Many factors may affect the survival, transmissibility, and carcinogenicity of these agents, depending on the animal-host environment, hygiene practices, climate, travel, herd immunity, and cultural differences in food consumption and preparation. Seasonal variations in immune function also may increase host susceptibility at certain times of the year. The lack of objective measures, inconsistent study designs, and sources of epidemiologic bias (e.g., residual confounding, recall bias, and non-randomized patient selection) are some of the factors that complicate a clear understanding of this subject.

Additional Information

Publication

Other

Frontiers in Public Health; 2: p. 1-8

Language: English

Date: 2014

Keywords

infection, cancer, epidemiology, animal viruses, bacteria

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