Abstract
This study aimed to detect the presence of bovine papillomavirus (BPV) in the testicular tissue of bulls over 1-year old by immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence and molecular assay targeting methods. In addition, γH2AX and cytochrome c expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent methods in samples positive for BPV agent. In this study, 100 testicular specimens that did not show any macroscopic papilloma findings were collected. Testicular tissues were collected and examined using histologically and molecularly methods. In the present study, immunopositivity was detected in 6 (6%) samples with the IHC method and in 11 (11%) samples with the IF method. In addition, BPV positivity was detected in four (4%) samples by the PCR method and four (4%) samples determined to be BPV positive by PCR also showed immunopositivity in IHC and IF methods. γH2AX immunopositivity was seen in two of the BPV-positive samples by the IHC method, and γH2AX immunopositivity was observed in four of the samples determined to be positive for the BPV agent by the IF method. Cytochrome c immunopositivity was found in all the samples determined positive for the BPV agent. When the findings were evaluated, the presence of the BPV agent in the testicular tissues of cattle that did not have macroscopic papillomas was revealed for the first time. It was thought that the BPV agent caused double-stranded DNA breaks and increased cytochrome c expression.