A Meta-Analysis on the Association of Colibactin-Producing pks plus Escherichia coli with the Development of Colorectal Cancer

Objective Previous studies on the association between pks(+) Escherichia coli and colorectal cancer (CRC) demonstrated conflicting results. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to obtain more precise estimates. Methods Related literature was obtained from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library. Data were then extracted, summarized, and subjected to analysis using Review Manager 5.4 by computing for the pooled odds ratios at the 95% confidence interval. Results Overall analysis showed that individuals carrying pks(+) E coli had a greater risk of developing CRC. Subgroup analysis further showed that individuals from Western countries carrying pks(+) E coli and individuals with pks(+) E coli in their tissue samples had increased risk of developing CRC. Conclusion Results of this meta-analysis suggest that individuals with pks(+) E coli have a greater risk of developing CRC. However, more studies are needed to confirm our claims.