Potential Role of Epstein-Barr Virus in Iraqi Women with Breast Cancer

Background: Globally, breast cancer is the prevailing malignant disease, especially affecting women. Multiple causal factors, including environmental factors, have been identified as contributing to the development of breast cancer. The hypothesized viral etiological factor is the Epstein-Barr virus. Up to this point, several research have investigated the correlation between the occurrence of Epstein-Barr virus and breast cancer, although there have been limited investigations conducted in Iraq. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between EBV infection and female breast cancer in Iraq. Methodology: A study enrolled 89 serum samples collected from 60 women histologically diagnosed with breast cancer as a patient group and 29 serum samples from healthy women as a control group, in a private laboratory in Baghdad. All samples were submitted using the ELISA technique to investigate the presence of EBV capsid antigen. Results: The present investigation revealed an elevated prevalence of EBV infection among Iraqi women histologically diagnosed with breast cancer, in comparison to healthy controls, with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). Furthermore, there was a large and statistically significant difference in the tumor based on its type (p<0.001). Also, a highly significant difference was found concerning a family history of malignancy(p-value=0.001). No significant differences were found concerning tumor grade, age, and smoking habits. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the elevated occurrence of EBV in women with breast cancer may support the progression of breast cancer and contribute to heightened tumor aggressiveness in female patients.