Spotlights on helminth pathogens’ innovative pathways of tumorigenesis

Abstract

Chronic infections with microbes, such as viruses, bacteria and parasites contribute to a considerable proportion of the worldwide burden of cancer cases. Helminthic infections cause a relatively small proportion of the infection-related cancers, but the higher exposure to the worldwide helminth infections presents an importance of health problem. Notably, these infections are a preventable cause of cancer that highlights the prevention and control as well as health education in endemic areas to reduce infection levels and consequently reduce the risk of development of infection-related cancers. This review intends to spotlight the association of certain helminth infections with human malignancy and to focus on their innovative pathways of causing neoplasia.