Human BKV large T genome detection in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue samples by nested PCR: A case-control study

Human BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a latent infectious agent in the genitourinary tract associated with hemorrhagic cystitis and nephropathy. This virus can be a risk factor for various human malignancies, including prostate cancer (PCa). It may contribute to prostate cancer development, as it demonstrates oncogenic properties by encoding oncoproteins. This study assessed the prevalence of this virus in benign and malignant prostate tissues. Between 2009 and 2019, 49 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) PCa and 49 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) samples were gathered from the pathology department of a tertiary care university hospital. They were used as cases and controls, respectively. After deparaffinization and DNA extraction, nested PCR was applied to identify the BKPyVgp5 gene (LTAg) using inner and outer primers. The nested PCR showed a 278-bp bond corresponding to the BKPyVgp5 genome (LTAg) in 53.1% (26/49) of PCa and 14.3% (7/49) of BPH (p<0.001). The presence of BKV was significantly associated with an increased risk of PCa development (OR=6.78, 95% CI=2.55–18.02, p<0.001). The BKV LTAg gene was significantly more prevalent in PCa samples than in BPH samples. These results demonstrate the presence of the virus in prostate cancer tissues.