Virological perspectives of the current situation of oncogenic viruses in Egypt: a review

Abstract Oncogenic viruses play a pernicious role in the development of cancer, causing various tumors in humans and animals. These viruses are of public health importance in developing nations. Worldwide, about 15–20% of cancer cases are related to viral infections. About 12% of all cancers in humans are attributed to oncoviruses. However, the accurate rate of cancers attributed to oncoviruses across all animal cancers remains uncertain. In some species, such as chickens and cats, oncoviruses are responsible for approximately 80–100% of specific cancer cases. The first oncovirus reported in humans was the Epstein-Barr virus, in the case of Burkitt’s lymphoma. The Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus was the first oncovirus to be reported in livestock. The main reported tumor viruses of veterinary importance are bovine leukemia virus, jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus, feline leukemia virus, bovine papillomavirus, equine papillomavirus, Marek’s disease virus, avian leukosis virus, and reticuloendotheliosis virus. The control of oncoviruses mainly relies on early molecular methods, such as PCR, with remaining difficulties concerning virus isolation. Moreover, the potential for viral oncogenes to integrate into host genomes underscores the challenges in diagnosis, control, and eradication. These viruses have a significant impact on veterinary health in Egypt, affecting various animal species and posing substantial economic challenges. Therefore, exploring the up-to-date situation of oncogenic viruses recorded in Egypt is essential. This review aims to elucidate the general mechanisms of viral oncogenesis, shedding light on the situation of oncoviruses of veterinary importance that circulate in Egypt, as well as their diagnosis and control.