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POLITIKOFF

'Kissing disease' virus linked to several forms of cancer

Politiko 2025-07-09 21:04:44

'Kissing disease' virus linked to several forms of cancer

One of the most common viruses in the world appears to significantly increase the risk of cancer, according to a new study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Most people around the world have been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) at some point in their lives. The virus spreads easily through saliva and other bodily fluids and usually causes no symptoms, but it can lead to mononucleosis, also known as the “kissing disease.”

Scientists previously knew that EBV, which stays in the body forever, could cause some types of cancer, such as lymphomas and a rare form of throat cancer. The new study, published in the journal Nature Communications, shows that the virus can increase the risk of developing other cancers, years before diagnosis.

Researchers followed nearly 74,000 people in southern China for 8 to 10 years, identifying 1,990 cases of cancer. They also tested for the presence of antibodies to EBV, which indicate whether someone had previously been infected with the virus. According to the study, people with EBV antibodies were about five times more likely to develop cancer compared to those without antibodies.

The higher the antibody levels, the higher the risk of cancer.

The highest risks were identified for nasopharyngeal cancer, a rare form that affects the part of the throat that connects the nose to the back of the mouth. People with EBV were 26 times more likely to develop this type of cancer. EBV antibodies were also linked to increased risks for lung cancer, liver cancer and lymphoma.

Dr. Zisis Kozlakidis, co-author of the study and head of the laboratory support unit at IARC, said the findings help understand the link between EBV infection and the risk of various types of cancer.

The researchers emphasized that the results may not apply to every demographic group and that other factors such as smoking may have influenced the results.

However, they called for further investigation to understand how EBV may cause changes in cells that make them more prone to becoming cancerous.

Most people who have had mononucleosis will not develop cancer as a result of the virus, but knowing the risk can help you spot early signs of the disease.

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