In some parts of Africa a large portion of cancer cases are caused by viral infections.
Scientists have tried to figure out how and how much virus Epstein-Barr (herpes of the fourth type) affects the development of cancer (Burkitt’s lymphoma). On their findings, they reported in the journal Current Opinions in Virology.
Rosemary Rochford (Rochford Rosemary) and her colleagues worked in the Kenyan city of Kisumu, located on lake Victoria. In addition to the above two diseases, the city distinguishes the frequency of malaria infection (up to 28 percent of the adult population). Scientists have found that children born from a history of malaria during pregnancy mothers maximally predisposed to Burkitt’s lymphoma.
“In the body of most people, the virus of Epstein-Barr sitting quietly. No one knows he picked up him or not. However, when infected by malaria in pregnant aktiviziruyutsya virus and infects a variety of cells, including in the body of infants. In the result, the immune system of newborns “gets used” to the virus that ultimately gives the predisposition to lymphoma,” says Rochford.
Scientists say that in some parts of Africa a large portion of cancer cases are caused by viral infections. However, in developed countries, cancer is still more often associated with the use of cigarettes and alcohol.
