Use of PCR to estimate the prevalence of Equus caballus papillomavirus in aural plaques in horses.

The researchers examined the occurrence of Equus caballus papillomavirus (EcPV)-3 and -4 in aural plaques of horses, with the findings indicating the possible existence of other papillomaviruses, as some samples showed no trace of the two viruses.

Objective of the Study

• The primary objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Equus caballus papillomavirus (EcPV)-3 and -4 in aural plaques of horses, an issue that remained unexamined until now. It involved the use of a ‘touchdown’ Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to assess the presence of these two viruses.

Methodology of the Research

• A total of 45 aural plaques, appearing on the medial surface of the pinnae of horses, were sampled for this study.
• The ‘touchdown’ PCR technique was employed to detect the presence of EcPV-3 and EcPV-4 DNA in these samples.
• The study also included negative control samples, drawn from horse skin where neither EcPV-3 nor -4 were detected, for comparison purposes.

Key Findings

• The study discovered the presence of Papillomaviruses (PVs) in 62.3% or 28 out of 45 samples.
• EcPV-3 DNA was found in 8.89% or 4 out of 45 samples while EcPV-4 occurred in 37.78% or 17 out of 45 samples.
• Moreover, 15.56% or 7 out of 45 samples demonstrated co-infection, i.e., the presence of both EcPV-3 and -4.
• However, neither of these two viruses were found in 37.78% or 17 out of 45 samples, pointing to the possible occurrence of other equine PVs.

Implications of the Study

• This study provides the first empirical evidence regarding the prevalence of EcPV-3 and -4 in aural plaques in horses, contributing significantly to the existing knowledge base about equine papillomaviruses.
• Its findings hint at the potential existence of other variants of equine papillomaviruses, necessitating further research in this area.