Analysis of the Clinical Incidence and Correlation between Colorectal Cancer and Microorganisms

Abstract

In this single institution retrospective medical record review, patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer from the years 2018-2022 were evaluated to distinguish an associative linear relationship between diagnosed colorectal cancer and a positive result for the presence of an infectious microorganism. A total of 241 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer accompanied by a test or order placed with the purpose of ruling out or identifying a microorganism were compiled. The data were analyzed on a linear model to determine association between the two variables and to further investigate trends associated with the presence of a dominant microorganism and the characteristics of the colorectal cancer. Based on the observed clinical incidence, the greatest presence of a dominant infectious microorganism occurred in patients with left sided colon cancers. Species evaluation within this cohort found similarity to microorganisms identified as common post-treatment infectious pathogens including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus species. The apparent trend of a dominant microorganism within left sided colorectal cancers suggests clinical relevance when considering further treatment and management of infections within this population.