Detection of Equus caballus Papillomavirus in Equine Aural Plaque Samples.

The research explores the presence of the Equus caballus papillomavirus (EcPV) in equine aural plaque samples in Brazil and suggests that four types of EcPVs are not involved in the development of these plaques, while EcPV 6 was the most prevalent virus found.

Research Objective

• This research aimed to detect and identify the presence of different types of Equus caballus papillomavirus (EcPV) in equine aural plaque samples. Aural plaques are white papules that appear in horse’s ears, and previous research has found a link between these plaques and EcPV. The study intended to further understand which types of the virus are associated with the plaques and potentially which ones are not.

Methodology

• The researchers collected 29 aural plaque samples from 15 horses and tested their presence for EcPVs’ DNA using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
• In addition, this study also evaluated 108 aural plaque samples used in previous research for the presence of EcPVs 8 and 9.
• PCR was used to detect EcPV types from 1 to 8 using already identified primers, while specific primers were designed for EcPV 9 detection.
• Mini genes were synthesized and used as positive control in PCR for undetected EcPVs to ensure the accuracy and correctness of the detection procedure.

Findings

• The DNA of EcPV types 2, 7, 8, and 9 were not detectable in any of the evaluated samples. This result leads to the hypothesis that these types of EcPVs are not involved in the formation of aural plaques in horses in Brazil.
• On the contrary, EcPV 6 was the most prevalent and found in 81% of the samples, followed by EcPV types 3 (found in 72% of samples), 4 (found in 63% of samples) and 5 (found in 47% of samples). This finding reinforces the idea that these specific virus types play a significant role in the development of equine aural plaques in the country.