Bacterial Infections and Cancer: Exploring This Association And Its Implications for Cancer Patients

Abstract

Bacterial infections are common in the etiology of human diseases owing to the ubiquity of bacteria. Such infections promote the development of periodontal disease, bacterial pneumonia, typhoid, acute gastroenteritis, and diarrhea in susceptible hosts. These diseases may be resolved using antibiotics/antimicrobial therapy in some hosts. However, other hosts may be unable to eliminate the bacteria, allowing them to persist for long durations and significantly increasing the carrier's risk of developing cancer over time. Indeed, infectious pathogens are modifiable cancer risk factors, and through this comprehensive review, we highlight the complex relationship between bacterial infections and the development of several cancer types. For this review, searches were performed on the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases encompassing the entirety of 2022. Based on our investigation, we found several critical associations, of which some are causative: Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum are associated with periodontal disease, Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., and Shigella are associated with gastroenteritis. Helicobacter pylori infection is implicated in the etiology of gastric cancer, and persistent Chlamydia infections present a risk factor for the development of cervical carcinoma, especially in patients with the human papillomavirus (HPV) coinfection. Salmonella typhi infections are linked with gallbladder cancer, and Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is implicated in lung cancer, etc. This knowledge helps identify the adaptation strategies used by bacteria to evade antibiotic/antimicrobial therapy. The article also sheds light on the role of antibiotics in cancer treatment, the consequences of their use, and strategies for limiting antibiotic resistance. Finally, the dual role of bacteria in cancer development as well as in cancer therapy is briefly discussed, as this is an area that may help to facilitate the development of novel microbe-based therapeutics as a means of securing improved outcomes.

Identification of a Microbial-Related Gene Signature Indicative of Disease Prognosis in Cervical Cancer

“…Our body harbours an estimated three trillion bacterial members that orchestrate a comprehensive interplay of physiological processes and disease susceptibilities (12) (13). Particularly in colorectal malignancies, these microbial organisms exercise their actions mostly through indirect channels (including metabolites and the immune system) on distant or proximal tumor tissues (14).…”

Liquid Biopsy in Lung Cancer: Biomarkers for the Management of Recurrence and Metastasis

“…The interest in understanding the link between the microbiome and the development and progression of lung cancer has increased in recent years. It is known that the microbiome plays an important role in human health and disease by modulating a host's innate and adaptive immune system, immune responses, and metabolism, and by protecting from invading pathogens [235][236][237]. The tumor microenvironment (TME) influences cancer progression and therapy responses [238] and many recent studies have demonstrated associations between the TME and microbiota composition and responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients, including NSCLC patients, suggesting that modulation of the microbiota through diet, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantations (FMT) could improve treatment efficacy [238][239][240][241][242][243][244].…”

Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Effects of Zingiberaceae Oils: A Natural Solution for Oral Health

“…An elevated microbial presence within the oral cavity can generate substances that have the potential to exacerbate oral health issues, including periodontal diseases and tooth decay. [12] Additionally, the development and progression of oral cancer can be influenced by the interaction between the microbial population and their byproducts. This interplay is affected by multiple factors, including lifestyle habits, individual susceptibility, and genetic predisposition.…”

“…Continuity between oral infections and oral microbiology is evident. An elevated microbial presence within the oral cavity can generate substances that have the potential to exacerbate oral health issues, including periodontal diseases and tooth decay [12] . Additionally, the development and progression of oral cancer can be influenced by the interaction between the microbial population and their by‐products.…”