Infections Causing Human Cancer

Infections must be thought as one of the most important, if not the most important, risk factors for cancer development in humans. Approximately 15-20% of all cases of cancer around the world are caused by viruses. The establishment of a causal relationship between the presence of specific infective agents and certain types of human cancer represents a key step in the development of novel therapeutic and preventive strategies. In this book, Professor zur Hausen (Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine 2008) provides a thorough and comprehensive overview on carcinogenic infective agents -- viruses, bacteria, parasites and protozoons -- as well as their corresponding transforming capacities and mechanisms. The result is an invaluable and instructive reference for all oncologists, microbiologists and molecular biologists working in the area of infections and cancer. The author was among the first scientists to reveal the cervical cancer-inducing mechanisms of human papilloma viruses and isolated HPV16 and HPV18, and, as early as 1976, published the hypothesis that wart viruses play a role in the development of this type of cancer.

In recent years, a number of chronic diseases have been linked, in some cases definitively, to an infectious etiology: peptic ulcer disease with Helicobacter pylori, cervical cancer with several human papillomaviruses, Lyme arthritis and neuroborreliosis with Borrelia burgdorferi, AIDS with the human immunodeficiency virus, liver cancer and cirrhosis with hepatitis B and C viruses, to name a few. The proven and suspected roles of microbes does not stop with physical ailments; infections are increasingly being examined as associated causes of or possible contributors to a variety of serious, chronic neuropsychiatric disorders and to developmental problems, especially in children. The Infectious Etiology of Chronic Diseases: Defining the Relationship, Enhancing the Research, and Mitigating the Effects, summarizes a two-day workshop held by the Institute of Medicine's Forum on Microbial Threats to address this rapidly evolving field. Participants explored factors driving infectious etiologies of chronic diseases of prominence, identified difficulties in linking infectious agents with chronic outcomes, and discussed broad-based strategies and research programs to advance the field.

The Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa volume brings together population-based cancer incidence data from 25 cancer registries in 20 sub-Saharan African countries that are part of the African Cancer Registry Network. The compiled data in this volume, presented and commented upon by covered population and by anatomical site, are of tremendous value to the assessment of the pattern and evolution of cancer in Africa, as a means of elucidating, confirming, and evaluating causes of the disease.

This book offers a state-of-the-art report on recent discoveries concerning viral, bacterial, and parasite infectious cancers. Cancer is one of the most common causes of death and diseases in human populations, and 15%-25% of human cancers in worldwide are considered to result from chronic infection by pathogens. Most oncology textbooks address genetic mutation, but not infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria and parasites. As such this book stimulates further research in the new area between cancers and chronic infection, and discusses the epidemiology and molecular biology of infectious causes of cancers. It also explores the prevention and treatment of infection-related cancers, and brings pathogenic research to the forefront in the never-ending endeavor to understand how pathogens maneuver and negotiate in a complex environment, including the micro/macro- environment of the human host. Further, it highlights the urgent need for a concerted program to develop vaccines and other diagnosis and interventions that will eventually help prevent and treat infectious cancers, and decrease their burden on human populations. It offers graduate students and researchers a comprehensive overview of the infectious causes of cancers.

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.

Historically, the study of infection has focused on acute illnesses and their treatment. Infection, however, is not simply an acute process; microbial agents thrive in the human body throughout life. The unrecognized, intimate relationship we share with microorganisms is a critical factor in longevity and health. In recent years, it has become apparent that some cancers may be attributable to underlying chronic infection. Fortunately, infectious diseases are often treatable or preventable. Also, the composition of infectious agents is far less complex than that of humans. Thus the link between infection and cancer may offer insight into the pathogenesis and prevention of all cancers. This book, authored by some of the world's leaders in microbiology, virology, biochemistry, and pathology, provides an overview of oncogenic mechanisms imputed to infection. Individual chapters examine the epidemiologic, clinical and molecular links between specific infectious agents and cancer, and address methods of disease prevention. Microbiologists, cancer biologists, pathologists, oncologists, and infectious disease specialists interested in the etiology of malignancy will find this book an indispensable addition to their libraries.

Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death globally, particularly among children and young adults. The spread of new pathogens and the threat of antimicrobial resistance pose particular challenges in combating these diseases. Major Infectious Diseases identifies feasible, cost-effective packages of interventions and strategies across delivery platforms to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, malaria, adult febrile illness, viral hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases. The volume emphasizes the need to effectively address emerging antimicrobial resistance, strengthen health systems, and increase access to care. The attainable goals are to reduce incidence, develop innovative approaches, and optimize existing tools in resource-constrained settings.