Association between Helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr virus co-infection and gastric cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Co-infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been demonstrated in clinical studies; however, its association with gastric cancer (GC) remains uncertain.

AIMS

This study aims to assess and establish evidence linking H. pylori and EBV co-infection to an increased risk of GC development.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis study to investigate the pooled odds ratios (OR) for individual infections and co-infections, and their association with the risk of GC development.

RESULTS

EBV infection was more frequent in patients with GC than in non-GC patients (OR 4.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.17-7.85, p < 0.0001). H. pylori infection was associated with a significantly increased GC risk compared with a control group excluding gastritis cases (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.02-1.99, p = 0.03). Nevertheless, the random-effects model revealed that the pooled odds of co-infection were significantly elevated (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.65-4.01, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both H. pylori and EBV infections increase the risk of developing GC. The co-infection of H. pylori and EBV was linked to a 2.57-fold higher risk of GC, indicating the significance of incorporating both infections into diagnostic and treatment approaches for GC.