Screening for bovine papillomavirus type 13 (BPV13) in a European population of sarcoid-bearing equids.
Authors: Jindra Christoph, Kamjunke Ann-Kristin, Jones Sarah, Brandt Sabine
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Whilst bovine papillomavirus types 1 and 2 have long been established as aetiological agents of equine sarcoids, the recent identification of BPV13 in Brazilian sarcoid cases prompted investigation into whether this genetically similar virus might also circulate in European equine populations and warrant consideration in future vaccine development strategies. Researchers screened 135 archival DNA samples extracted from confirmed sarcoid tumours across Austria and the UK/Northern Italy (including donkey cases) using BPV13-specific PCR targeting the E5 gene region; all samples tested negative despite appropriate positive and negative controls performing as expected. The complete absence of BPV13 detection across a geographically and demographically representative sample suggests this viral type has minimal or no presence in European sarcoid lesions, in marked contrast to its documented occurrence in Brazil. Whilst the moderate sample size warrants cautious interpretation, these findings provide reassurance that current BPV-targeted prevention strategies need not immediately account for BPV13, though larger-scale European screening programmes would help establish definitive prevalence patterns and any potential regional variation in viral distribution. For practitioners involved in sarcoid management and vaccine development, this work suggests BPV1/2-focused approaches remain appropriate for European populations pending evidence of wider BPV13 circulation.
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Practical Takeaways
- •BPV13 does not appear to be a significant cause of sarcoids in European horses and donkeys, so current vaccine strategies targeting BPV1/2 remain appropriate for these populations
- •Practitioners should be aware that BPV13 distribution may be geographically limited (Brazil) and not routinely screened for in European equids at this time
- •Larger multinational screening studies are needed to establish accurate BPV13 prevalence across Europe before revising diagnostic or preventive protocols
Key Findings
- •BPV13 DNA was not detected in any of 135 tumor DNA samples from sarcoid-affected horses and donkeys across Austria, Northern Italy, and the UK
- •All positive, negative, and no-template PCR controls yielded expected results, confirming assay reliability
- •The study suggests low occurrence of BPV13 in tested European equids with sarcoid disease, contrasting with recent Brazilian findings
- •Sample of 127 tumor-affected equids was considered representative despite moderate size due to diverse breed, age, gender, and geographic distribution