Molecular Characterization of Co-infection by Oncogenic Viruses: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer represents the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in women globally, with oncogenic viruses contributing to 20-50% of cases. Human papillomavirus (HPV) and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) have been implicated in various cancers, but their co-infection patterns in breast cancer remain poorly characterized, particularly in North African populations. This study aimed to investigate the molecular characterization and clinicopathological associations of HPV and HHV-8 co-infection in Moroccan breast cancer patients. Ninety fresh tissue specimens were analyzed, including 60 histopathologically confirmed inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) cases and 30 controls. Viral DNA detection was performed using nested PCR for HPV targeting the L1 region and single-round PCR for HHV-8. Statistical analysis assessed correlations between viral presence and clinicopathological parameters. HPV DNA was detected in 27/60 (45%) breast cancer cases versus 2/30 (6.7%) controls (p<0.001). HHV-8 infection was identified in 9/60 (15%) cases and 1/30 (3.3%) controls (p<0.05). Co-infection occurred in 6/60 (10%) cases. HPV positivity significantly correlated with histopronostic grade (p<0.001), progesterone receptor status (p<0.001), and estrogen receptor status (p=0.006). HHV-8 showed significant association with estrogen receptor positivity (p=0.003). This study reveals significant co-infection rates of HPV and HHV-8 in Moroccan breast cancer patients, with distinct clinicopathological associations. These findings suggest potential roles for these oncogenic viruses in breast carcinogenesis and may inform targeted therapeutic approaches.