TY - JOUR T1 - The potential role of microbes in oncogenesis with particular emphasis on oral cancer JF - Saudi Medical Journal JO - Saudi Med J SP - 607 LP - 612 DO - 10.15537/smj.2016.6.14048 VL - 37 IS - 6 AU - Asmaa A. Faden Y1 - 2016/06/01 UR - http://smj.org.sa/content/37/6/607.abstract N2 - For over a century, non-virus microorganisms, notably bacteria have been implicated as causal agents of cancers, a relatively small number of researchers have provided evidence to support the so-called “cancer germ” hypothesis. With the exception of the link between Helicobacter pylori and stomach cancer, other supposed links have been ignored. A wide range of bacteria and other non-virus microbes, including fungi, have been implicated over the years in oncogenesis, as well as the ability to induce inflammation, which may cause cancer. It seems that there is no single “cancer germ,” as most bacteria can apparently induce cancer. Here, the role of bacteria and other non-virus microorganisms and oral cancers will be discussed. By ignoring bacteria as a causal agent of cancer, we set back our understanding of this crucially important disease and, as a result, have hindered the development of potential cures. ER -