Four novel papillomavirus sequences support a broad diversity among equine papillomaviruses

Abstract

Papillomaviruses appear to be species-specific pathogens, and it was suggested that each animal species might harbour its own set of papillomaviruses. However, all approaches addressing the underlying evolutionary phenomena still suffer from very limited data about animal papillomaviruses. In case of the horse for example, only three equine papillomaviruses (EcPVs) have been identified. To further address the situation in this host, suspected papillomavirusassociated lesions were tested for EcPV DNA. Four novel EcPV types were detected and their genomes entirely cloned and sequenced. They display the characteristic organization, with early (E) and late (L) regions harbouring the seven classical open reading frames divided by non-coding regions. They were named EcPVs 4, 5, 6 and 7, according to their dissimilarity to other papillomaviruses. Most L1 nucleotide identities were shared with EcPV2 in case of EcPV4 (62 %) and EcPV5 (60 %) or with EcPV3 in case of EcPV6 (70 %) and EcPV7 (71 %). Thus, EcPVs 4 and 5 may establish novel species within the genus Dyoiota, while EcPVs 6 and 7 might fit into the genus Dyorho and belong to the same species as EcPV3. They were found in genital plaques (EcPV4), aural plaques (EcPV5, EcPV6) or penile masses (EcPV7). Interestingly, PCR analysis revealed the DNA of EcPV2 and EcPV4 as well as of EcPV3 and EcPV6 together in the same tissue samples, respectively. In conclusion, the DNA of four novel EcPV types was identified and cloned. They cluster with the known types and support broad genetic EcPV diversity in at least two of the known clades. Furthermore, PCR assays also provide evidence for EcPV co-infections in horses.

Serum antibodies and DNA indicate a high prevalence of equine papillomavirus 2 (EcPV2) among horses in Switzerland

“…More than 150 different human‐specific papillomavirus types (HPVs) have been described, and the discoveries of recent years indicate that several animal species carry diverse sets of specific papillomaviruses as well . Horses are one of those species, and to date, seven different equus caballus papillomavirus types (EcPVs) are known . Furthermore, the two bovine types, BPV1 and BPV2, can infect equids and are associated with equine sarcoids .…”

Detection of papillomavirus DNA in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded equine aural plaque samples

“…Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP Equine aural plaques were recently associated with four equine papillomaviruses (EcPVs) (Lange et al, 2013;. These viruses have been detected in fresh samples by PCR (Lange et al 2013;, but EcPVs have not been identified in formalinfixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) aural plaque samples.…”

“…Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP Equine aural plaques were recently associated with four equine papillomaviruses (EcPVs) (Lange et al, 2013;. These viruses have been detected in fresh samples by PCR (Lange et al 2013;, but EcPVs have not been identified in formalinfixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) aural plaque samples. Archives of FFPE aural plaques and other papilloma specimens stored in diverse veterinary diagnostic centers may represent a valuable source of material for the etiologic diagnosis of papillomaviruses involved in the disease (Newkirk et al, 2014); therefore, the aim of this study was to optimize a reliable method for the detection of the EcPVs in FFPE aural plaque samples by PCR.…”

“…Recently, EcPV3 and EcPV4 and EcPV3, EcPV5, and EcPV6 (Lange et al, 2013) DNA were detected in fresh and cytobrush-collected aural plaque samples, respectively, by PCR. The current study is the first to report the DNA detection of these EcPVs in FFPE aural plaque samples.…”

Investigation of a Putative Novel Papillomavirus that causes InvertedPapillomas in Horses

“…Papillomas are common equine neoplasms that affect several cutaneous sites, as well as oral, ocular and genital mucous membranes [1][2][3][4][5][6]. To date, almost 200 distinct papilloma viruses have been cloned, sequenced, and allocated to various genera, including seven viruses termed EcPV1-7 that were identified in equine papillomas [7][8][9].…”