The abundance of viral DNA was measured in DNA sequenced from blood and saliva samples in biobanks, revealing strong correlations with age, sex and dozens of genetic variants. Genetic analyses indicate that a high abundance of latent Epstein–Barr virus is a causal risk factor for a blood cancer called Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The amount of DNA of different viruses is shaped by a person’s age, sex, behaviour and genetics.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
A 2026 study studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: