Histopathology and PCR detection of bovine fibropapillomatosis in cattle in San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Abstract

Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) occurs worldwide and has myriad signs, including cutaneous papillomas, fibromas and fibropapillomas. Histology and PCR were used to identify the presence of BPV in tissue samples collected from cattle manifesting skin lesions suggestive of papillomas, fibromas and fibropapillomas in production units in the state of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Eleven skin biopsies were taken from animals between 5 and 18 months’ age in stabled, semi-stabled and pastured beef and dairy production systems. Lesions were suggestive of papillomas, fibropapillomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Samples were evaluated by histopathology. Detection of BPV was also done using DNA extracted from the samples and analyzed by PCR with the FAP59/FAP64 and MY09/MY11 oligonucleotide pairs. The lesions were classified into fibromas (45.45 %) and fibropapillomas (54.54 %). Lesion type distribution exhibited no patterns by anatomical location, animal age, production system or end purpose. Most (72.72 %, n= 8) of the samples were positive for BPV by PCR; 45.45 % (n= 5) with the FAP pair and 54.54 % (n= 6) with the MY pair. This is the first study identifying the presence of BPV in San Luis Potosí. The results will be useful in establishing detection and control measures to improve production system health measures and end product quality.