Newly Discovered Virus Linked to Colorectal Cancer
Researchers have identified a previously unknown virus found within a common gut bacterium that appears to be closely linked to the development of colorectal cancer. The discovery, made by a team at the University of Southern Denmark, could lead to earlier detection and improved screening for the disease, which is a significant public health concern.
The virus was found in Bacteroides fragilis, a bacterium frequently found in the human gut. While B. Fragilis is a common bacterium and doesn’t always cause illness, scientists have repeatedly observed its presence in patients with colorectal cancer, creating a long-standing puzzle. “It has been a paradox that we repeatedly find the same bacterium in connection with colorectal cancer, while at the same time it is a completely normal part of the gut in healthy people,” said Dr. Flemming Damgaard in a statement.
The study found that individuals with colorectal cancer were more likely to harbor the virus than those without the disease, effectively doubling the odds of developing the cancer. Researchers are still investigating whether the virus directly causes cancer or is simply a marker of changes already occurring in the gut. The Independent reports that further research is needed to determine the virus’s exact role.
Early detection of colorectal cancer is critical for improving patient survival rates and allowing for the removal of precancerous growths. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is expected to cause 55,230 deaths in the U.S. This year and is the second most common cancer for both men and women. MSN highlights the potential for latest screening tests based on this discovery.
“We have discovered a virus that has not previously been described and which appears to be closely linked to the bacteria we find in patients with colorectal cancer,” Damgaard said, as reported by Medical Xpress. The team’s work focused on identifying differences within the B. Fragilis bacterium itself, leading to the identification of this previously unknown viral component.
