Genomic characterisation of bovine papillomavirus types 1 and 2 identified in equine sarcoids in Japan.
Authors: Yamashita-Kawanishi Nanako, Chambers James K, Uchida Kazuyuki, Tobari Yumiko, Yoshimura Hisashi, Yamamoto Masami, Yumoto Norio, Aoki Hiroshi, Sugiura Katsuaki, Higuchi Tohru, Saito Shigeaki, Haga Takeshi
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Equine Sarcoids and Bovine Papillomavirus: Understanding Geographic Variation Equine sarcoids, among the most common equine skin tumours, are driven by infection with bovine papillomavirus types 1 and 2 (BPV1/2), though the precise mechanisms enabling cross-species transmission remain incompletely understood. Yamashita-Kawanishi and colleagues sequenced BPV1 and BPV2 genomes isolated from Japanese equine sarcoid cases to identify whether variant sequences associated with sarcoid development are consistent across geographic populations—a critical gap, given prior work suggesting certain BPV variants facilitate cross-species infection in horses. The research confirmed that sarcoid-associated BPV sequence variants existed in the Japanese population, demonstrating that these specific genomic variants are not regionally isolated phenomena but rather appear globally amongst sarcoid-bearing horses. For practitioners managing sarcoids, these findings reinforce that the virus strains encountered in equine patients likely share common pathogenic characteristics regardless of origin, potentially informing decisions around diagnostic interpretation and understanding recurrence risk. Continued genomic surveillance across diverse geographic regions will help identify whether all BPV variants confer equal sarcoid-forming potential, which could ultimately refine prevention and treatment strategies.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Equine sarcoids in your practice may be caused by BPV variants that have adapted for cross-species infection, suggesting the infection mechanism differs from bovine papillomavirus in cattle
- •Understanding that sarcoid-associated BPV variants exist globally (now documented in Japan) highlights the need for region-specific surveillance and potential implications for quarantine protocols when moving horses internationally
- •Genomic characterization of sarcoid lesions could potentially support diagnosis and treatment decisions, though clinical application remains to be determined
Key Findings
- •BPV1 and BPV2 sequence variants were identified in equine sarcoids in Japan, supporting the hypothesis that sarcoid-associated BPV variants facilitate cross-species infection in horses
- •Genomic characterization revealed sarcoid-associated BPV sequence variants that differ from wild-type bovine strains
- •Geographic identification of BPV variants in Japanese equine sarcoid cases provides evidence for variant distribution across different regions