Molecular characterization of Epstein-Barr virus and HHV-8 co-infection in prostate cancer: association with clinical parameters in a Moroccan cohort

Aims Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) and Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) are oncogenic viruses implicated in various malignancies; however, their possible involvement in prostate cancer (PCa), particularly as co-infecting agents, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the molecular detection of EBV and HHV-8 in prostate adenocarcinoma tissues from Moroccan patients and explores their associations with key clinicopathological features.Patients and methods Fresh prostate biopsies were obtained from the PCa group (n = 50) and the control group (n = 50). Viral DNA was detected using nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR). Associations between viral infection status and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed.Results EBV DNA was detected in 64% of tumor samples, while HHV-8 was present in 12%; co-infection was identified in 10% of cases and was absent in control tissues. EBV positivity was significantly associated with higher Gleason scores, advanced tumor stages, and lifestyle factors including smoking and alcohol consumption. HHV-8 infection and viral co-infection were both associated with markers of tumor aggressiveness.Conclusions These findings provide preliminary evidence of an association between EBV and HHV-8 co-infection and PCa characteristics in a Moroccan cohort. Further studies involving larger cohorts and mechanistic approaches are required to clarify the biological significance and potential clinical implications of these viral infections in prostate cancer.