Open AccessFrequent and preferential infection of Treponema denticola, Streptococcus mitis , and Streptococcus anginosus in esophageal cancers
Author(s) -
Narikiyo Michihiro,
Tanabe Chikako,
Yamada Yukishige,
Igaki Hiroyasu,
Tachimori Yuji,
Kato Hoichi,
Muto Manabu,
Montesano Ruggero,
Sakamoto Hiromi,
Nakajima Yoshiyuki,
Sasaki Hiroki
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
cancer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.035
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1349-7006
pISSN - 1347-9032
DOI - 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2004.tb02488.x
Subject(s) - streptococcus anginosus , treponema denticola , streptococcus mitis , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , carcinogenesis , esophageal cancer , cancer , immunology , bacteria , streptococcus , genetics , porphyromonas gingivalis
Multiple cancers frequently occur in the upper digestive tract. One possible explanation is that specific bacterial infection stimulates the normal epithelium to initiate inflammation and/or promotes carcinogenesis. This study was undertaken to determine which bacterial species is predominantly associated with esophageal cancer. We examined the bacterial diversity in this type of cancer and in the saliva from healthy people by using a culture‐independent molecular method. Here we report the preferential and frequent infection of the oral periodontopathic spirochete Treponema denticola ( T. denticola ), Streptococcus mitis ( S. mitis ), and Streptococus anginosus ( S. anginosus ) in esophageal cancer from different regions of the world, and we also describe the induction of inflammatory cytokines by infection of S. anginosus and S. mitis. Our present data suggest that these three bacteria could have significant roles in the carcinogenic process of many cases of esophageal cancer by causing inflammation and by promoting the carcinogenic process, and that eradication of these three bacteria may decrease the risk of recurrence.