Cytomegalovirus Infection and Cervical Cancer: from Past Doubts to Present Questions

Authors

  • Joana Marinho-Dias Virology Service. Institute of Oncology of Porto. Porto. & Superior School of Biotechnology (Universidade Católica Portuguesa). Porto. Portugal.
  • Hugo Sousa Virology Service. Institute of Oncology of Porto. Porto. & Molecular Oncology Group of Portuguese. Institute of Oncology of Porto. Porto. Portugal.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.221

Abstract

Background: Since early 60’s that Cytomegalovirus was studied for its possible role in cervical cancer development. Despite several decades of studies and the description of CMV DNA in cervical samples, it is still doubtful what is the prevalence of Cytomegalovirus in cervix and if CMV can act as a co-factor in cervical carcinogenesis. Methods: In this Systematic Review we intend to summarize the frequency of Cytomegalovirus in cervical samples by revising all published studies between 1980 and 2011 regarding the detection of Cytomegalovirus in cervical samples and the development of lesions/ invasive cervical cancer. Crude and adjusted frequencies of Cytomegalovirus infection were calculated according to country and world region. Results: This study revealed that the worldwide crude frequency of Cytomegalovirus infection in the cervix was 18.9% in all cervical samples and 36.5% in HPV positive women. Cytomegalovirus infection was present in all different types of lesions: 17.4% in normal/ cervicitis, 28.0% in LSIL, 19.7% in HSIL and 44.4% in CIS/ICC. The overall rate of Cytomegalovirus infection varied from 1.58% to 61.0% with an increased incidence in less developed countries. Conclusion: In this study we described a high frequency of positive Cytomegalovirus cases in all types of cervical samples, with increased incidence in both HPV-infected women and CIS/ICC cases. Hence, despite results showed that Cytomegalovirus shedding in cervical samples is frequent more studies should be performed to clarify if Cytomegalovirus infection is an opportunistic infection in HPV-infected cases, or if it contributes for cervical immunosuppression that will favor HPV-associated carcinogenesis.

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Author Biography

Hugo Sousa, Virology Service. Institute of Oncology of Porto. Porto. & Molecular Oncology Group of Portuguese. Institute of Oncology of Porto. Porto. Portugal.

Hugo Sousa

BScH Microbiology, MSc Oncology, PhD Biomedical Sciences
MD Student

Group Leader - Grupo Oncologia Molecular - CI
IPO Porto FG EPE
Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida
4200-072 Porto, Portugal

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Published

2013-06-05

How to Cite

1.
Marinho-Dias J, Sousa H. Cytomegalovirus Infection and Cervical Cancer: from Past Doubts to Present Questions. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2013 Jun. 5 [cited 2024 Nov. 22];26(2):154-60. Available from: https://actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/221

Issue

Section

Review Articles