Serodiagnosis for tumor viruses

Abstract

The known human tumor viruses include the DNA viruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis B virus (BV). RNA tumor viruses include human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The serological identification of antigens/antibodies in serum is a rapidly progressing field with utility for both scientists and clinicians. Serology is useful for conducting seroepidemiology studies and to inform on the pathogenesis and host immune response to a particular viral agent. Clinically, serology is useful for diagnosing current or past infection and for aiding in clinical management decisions. Serology is useful for screening blood donations for infectious agents and for monitoring the outcome of vaccination against these viruses. Serodiagnosis of human tumor viruses has improved in recent years with increased specificity and sensitivity of the assays, as well as reductions in cost and the ability to assess multiple antibody/antigens in single assays. Serodiagnosis of tumor viruses plays an important role in our understanding of the prevalence and transmission of these viruses and ultimately in the ability to develop treatments/preventions for these globally important diseases.

Figure 1. Timeline of tumor viruses and serology

Figure 2. Seroprevalence of tumor viruses

(A) Worldwide HBV and (B) HCV prevalence derived from CDC and WHO data. (C) Worldwide HTLV-1 prevalence, modified with permission from. (D) Worldwide KSHV seroprevalence based on sources cited in a 2012 IARC monograph. (E) Estimated HPV DNA prevalence, modified with permission from. Unfortunately, for large parts of the world seroprevalence information for many of these viruses is missing. KSHV is a case in point wherein large parts of Eastern Europe, Northern Asia and the Middle Eastern region have limited data.