Oncogenic potential of infection in the gastrointestinal tract: narrative review.

BACKGROUND

is the leading cause of zoonotic gastroenteritis. The other emerging group of spp. are part of human oral commensal, represented by (CC), which has been recently linked to non-oral conditions. Although long-term gastrointestinal (GI) complications from these two groups of have been previously reviewed individually, overall impact of infection on GI carcinogenesis and their inflammatory precursor lesions has not been assessed collectively.

AIMS

To evaluate the available evidence concerning the association between infection/colonization and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), reflux esophagitis/metaplasia colorectal cancer (CRC) and esophageal cancer (EC).

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature search of PubMed for relevant original publications and systematic reviews/meta-analyses of epidemiological and clinical studies. In addition, we gathered additional information concerning microbiological data, animal models and mechanistic data from studies.

RESULTS

Both retrospective and prospective studies on IBD showed relatively consistent increased risk associated with infection. Despite lack of supporting prospective studies, retrospective studies based on tissue/fecal microbiome revealed consistent enrichment of in CRC samples. Studies on EC precursor lesions (esophagitis and metaplasia) were generally supportive for the association with while inconsistent observations on EC. Studies on both IBD and EC precursors suggested the predominant role of CC, but studies on CRC were not informative of species.

CONCLUSIONS

There is sufficient evidence calling for concerted effort in unveiling direct and indirect connection of this organism to colorectal and esophageal cancer in humans.