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Study Detects Cancer-Causing Viruses in Texas Wastewater Samples
Researchers identified major oncogenic viruses in wastewater from 16 Texas cities. The findings could support future public health monitoring of infection trends.
May 20, 12:54 PM·1m read1 source
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A study detected all major human cancer-causing viruses in wastewater samples collected across Texas. Researchers used genetic sequencing to identify the viruses at more than 40 sites covering about one-quarter of the state's population. The study ran from May 2022 to May 2025.
It was coordinated by Anthony Maresso and Justin Clark of the Baylor College of Medicine and published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
Samples showed the presence of human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C viruses, cancer-associated polyomaviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, and the herpesvirus linked to Kaposi's sarcoma. The analysis also found all nine HPV types targeted by the Gardasil 9 vaccine.
Researchers recorded significant increases in several oncogenic viruses after 2024, including HPV, Epstein-Barr virus, and some polyomaviruses. The causes of the increases remain unclear.
Maresso stated that oncogenic viruses may cause around one in five cancers worldwide. He noted that many infections remain asymptomatic for years, complicating early prevention. Justin Clark said HPV-16 and HPV-18 together cause more than 70 percent of cervical cancers globally.
The study showed high-risk HPV variants increased between late 2024 and early 2025. The authors said wastewater monitoring could help assess vaccination campaign effectiveness and support public health strategies for tracking oncogenic infections.
