Screening for bovine papillomavirus type 13 (BPV13) in a European population of sarcoid-bearing equids

Bovine papillomavirus types 1 and 2 (BPV1 and BPV2) are accepted aetiological agents of equine sarcoids. Recently, genetically similar BPV13 has been identified from equine sarcoids in Brazil. Objectives: To determine whether BPV13 DNA can be also found in sarcoid-affected horses in Austria, and donkeys in Northern Italy and the UK, and should hence be considered in the context of vaccine-mediated sarcoid prevention. Study design: Cross sectional study.

Despite its moderate size, the sample was considered representative enough to suggest a low occurrence of BPV13 in Austria, as it randomly comprised equine patients of different breed, age, gender, and European provenience. BPV13 was not associated with tested sarcoids in rescued donkeys originating from several other European countries. Large-scale BPV13 screenings are necessary to allow for a more precise estimation of the prevalence and distribution of BPV13 infections in European equids suffering from sarcoid disease.

A total of 194 archival, equine and asinine DNA isolates derived from confirmedly delta-BPV-positive tumours were subjected to quality control by photometric analysis and equine beta-actin PCR. Isolates with DNA concentrations >0.9 ng/µl and confirmed PCR-compatibility (n = 135) were subsequently screened for the presence of BPV13 DNA using BPV13-specific PCR primers for amplification of a 771 bp region comprising the BPV13 E5 gene.

BPV13 E5 PCR scored negative for all 135 samples. Included positive, negative and no-template controls yielded anticipated results, thus confirming reliability of obtained data. Main limitations: Moderate number of tested tumour DNA extracts (n = 135; equivalent to 127 tumour-affected equids). Conclusions: Despite its moderate size, the sample was considered representative enough to suggest a low occurrence of BPV13 in Austria, as it randomly comprised equine patients of different breed, age, gender, and European provenience. BPV13 was not associated with tested sarcoids in rescued donkeys originating from several other European countries. Large-scale BPV13 screenings are necessary to allow for a more precise estimation of the prevalence and distribution of BPV13 infections in European equids suffering from sarcoid disease.