Abstract
Streptococcus bovis (S. bovis) bacteria are associated with colorectal cancer and adenoma. S. bovis is currently named S. gallolyticus. 25 to 80% of patients with S. bovis/gallolyticus bacteremia have concomitant colorectal tumors. Colonic neoplasia may arise years after the presentation of bacteremia or infectious endocarditis of S. bovis/gallolyticus. The presence of S. bovis/gallolyticus bacteremia and/or endocarditis is also related to the presence of villous or tubular-villous adenomas in the large intestine. In addition, serological relationship of S. gallolyticus with colorectal tumors and direct colonization of S. gallolyticus in tissues of colorectal tumors were found. However, this association is still under controversy and has long been underestimated. Moreover, the etiological versus non-etiological nature of this associationis not settled yet. Therefore, by covering the most of up to date studies, this review attempts to clarify the nature and the core of S. bovis/gallolyicus association with colorectal tumors and analyze the possible underlying mechanisms.
Highlights
Introduction & statement of the problemOne of the bacterial agents that has been found to be regularly associated with colorectal cancer is Streptococcus bovis (S. bovis)
It was shown that 94% of S. bovis bacteremia associated with colorectal cancer was S. bovis biotype I while only 18% was associated with biotype II [8]
Biochemical tests are not helpful diagnostic tools because of the wide variety of phenotypes seen in the S. bovis/gallolyticus complex; instead, it is necessary to use serological or molecular methods [126]. It is concluded from the lump of research done in this field that S. bovis/gallolyticus association with colorectal tumors seems to be of etiological nature
Summary
It is concluded from the lump of research done in this field that S. bovis/gallolyticus association with colorectal tumors seems to be of etiological nature. The S. bovis/gallolyticus- based carcinogenesis appears to occur through the transformation process from normal tissue to premalignant lesions, adenomas, to malignant cancerous tissues. The proposed carcinogenic potential of S. bovis/gallolyticus is most likely a propagating factor for premalignant tissues. The early detection of colorectal adenomas or carcinomas via detection of S. bovis/gallolyticus DNA or their specific IgG antibodies might be of high value in screening high risk groups for colorectal cancer
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