Cancer, oncogenic viruses found in wastewater: ‘Possible breakthrough for prevention’
Cancer, Oncogenic Viruses Found in Wastewater: ‘Possible Breakthrough for Prevention’
Cancer oncogenic viruses found in wastewater – For the first time, scientists have successfully identified and tracked oncogenic viruses in wastewater, marking a potential milestone in the fight against cancer. This innovative approach could revolutionize how public health officials monitor viral infections and their impact on disease prevention. The breakthrough, spearheaded by Anthony Maresso and Justin Clark from Baylor College of Medicine, was recently published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology. The research team also included collaborators from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, combining expertise to analyze viral presence across a wide geographic area.
The study focused on sampling wastewater collected from 40 locations across 16 Texas cities between May 2022 and May 2025. These sites represented approximately a quarter of the state’s population, offering a comprehensive snapshot of viral activity. To achieve their findings, the researchers employed a cutting-edge genetic sequencing technique known as hybrid-capture. This method allows for the simultaneous identification of over 3,000 known human viruses, as well as potential new mutations, within a single test. Such technology is a game-changer, as it streamlines the process of detecting pathogens at scale.
Oncogenic viruses, long suspected of playing a role in cancer development, are now being monitored through wastewater. The study found that these viruses can be reliably detected in sewage, opening new possibilities for early intervention and public health strategies. According to Maresso, who holds a professorship in molecular virology and microbiology, oncogenic viruses are responsible for a significant portion of global cancer cases. “Approximately one in five cancers worldwide is linked to viral infections,” he noted. “Many of these infections remain asymptomatic for years, making it hard to recognize their presence until cancer has already developed.”
“Since these infections often remain asymptomatic for years or even decades, many people do not realize they are infected until the tumour develops. This makes it very difficult to implement early preventive interventions,” Maresso explained.
The analysis revealed the presence of several key oncogenic viruses, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, polyomaviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, and the herpesvirus associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma. These viruses are known to contribute to various cancers, such as cervical and throat cancers in the case of HPV, and liver carcinoma for hepatitis B and C. The study’s scope was not limited to detecting these viruses; it also monitored their prevalence over time, uncovering trends that could inform future public health actions.
One of the most notable findings was the observed rise in the concentration of certain oncogenic viruses between 2024 and 2025. Specifically, HPV, Epstein-Barr virus, and several polyomaviruses showed significant increases. The researchers speculate that this surge may be connected to the gradual return to normal social behaviors following the restrictions imposed during the pandemic. “The resumption of travel, more frequent interpersonal contact, and the easing of distancing measures could have contributed to this growth,” said Clark, a co-author of the study. “These factors may have facilitated the spread of viruses that were previously suppressed.”
While the exact reasons for the viral uptick remain under investigation, the implications of this discovery are profound. By tracking these pathogens through wastewater, scientists can gain real-time insights into population-level infection rates without relying on individual testing. This method is particularly valuable for detecting viruses that may not show symptoms until later stages of disease progression. For instance, HPV-16 and HPV-18, two high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus, were found to be more prevalent than other variants. “HPV-16 and HPV-18 account for over 70% of cervical cancer cases globally,” Clark emphasized. “Despite their significance, they are often overlooked in early prevention efforts.”
The study also highlighted the widespread nature of low-risk HPV strains, which are more commonly found in wastewater samples. However, high-risk variants exhibited a notable increase, particularly after 2024. This trend underscores the importance of continued surveillance and the potential for wastewater analysis to serve as an early warning system. The researchers noted that HPV-16 consistently outpaced HPV-18 in prevalence, a finding that aligns with previous international studies on the subject.
A particularly compelling aspect of the research involved the Gardasil 9 vaccine, which targets nine strains of HPV. The presence of all nine vaccine-specific types in wastewater suggests that the vaccine is having a measurable impact on population immunity. Yet, the study also revealed that these viruses are still circulating, indicating that vaccine coverage may need to be reassessed. “The ability to detect these strains in wastewater could help evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination programs in real-world settings,” Maresso said. “It provides a dynamic tool for tracking progress and identifying areas where additional measures are needed.”
“Our study shows that tumour-associated viruses can be monitored through wastewater,” Maresso concluded. “This opens up new opportunities to better understand the relationship between these viruses and the human population and to develop more effective public health strategies.”
The implications of this research extend beyond cancer prevention. By analyzing viral DNA in wastewater, scientists can also monitor the spread of other infectious diseases, offering a versatile approach to public health monitoring. For example, the same techniques used to detect oncogenic viruses could be applied to track the prevalence of respiratory or gastrointestinal pathogens. This could lead to more efficient resource allocation during outbreaks, ensuring that interventions are targeted and timely.
Moreover, the study raises questions about the long-term impact of the pandemic on viral transmission. While lockdowns initially curtailed the spread of many pathogens, the return to pre-pandemic activities may have created conditions for resurgence. The researchers suggest that the correlation between the increase in oncogenic viruses and the easing of social distancing measures warrants further investigation. “Understanding how human behavior influences viral spread is critical for designing effective prevention strategies,” Clark added. “Wastewater analysis offers a unique window into this dynamic.”
As the global health community continues to grapple with the challenges of infectious diseases and cancer, this study presents a promising new avenue for surveillance. By leveraging wastewater as a biological indicator, public health officials can gain insights into viral activity that may not be captured through traditional methods. The ability to detect and track oncogenic viruses in this way not only enhances our understanding of their role in cancer development but also empowers us to take proactive measures in the fight against these diseases. With further refinement and widespread adoption, this technique could become a cornerstone of modern public health monitoring, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution for tracking viral threats across populations.
