No association between simian virus 40 and diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura in Iranian patients: a molecular and epidemiologic case-control study of 60 patients.

Background: Diffuse malignant mesothelioma (DMM) is increasing in incidence on a worldwide basis and is linked to exposure to asbestos. Simian virus 40 (SV40), a DNA virus, was introduced inadvertently to human populations through contaminated polio vaccine during the years 1956-1963. It has been associated with various types of malignancy in animal experiments.