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The Presence and Gene Expression of Bovine Papillomavirus in the Peripheral Blood and Semen of Healthy Horses
Author(s) -
Silva M. A. R.,
Silva K. M. G.,
Jesus A. L. S.,
Barros L. O.,
Corteggio A.,
Altamura G.,
Borzacchiello G.,
Freitas A. C.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
transboundary and emerging diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.392
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1865-1682
pISSN - 1865-1674
DOI - 10.1111/tbed.12036
Subject(s) - bovine papillomavirus , semen , biology , gene , gene expression , real time polymerase chain reaction , andrology , genotype , virology , sperm , immunology , genome , genetics , medicine
Summary Papillomavirus ( PV ) are double‐stranded DNA viruses that can cause both benignant and malignant tumours in mammals. Twelve genotypes of bovine papillomavirus ( BPV 1–12) have been identified so far. The presence of BPV 1 and 2 has been found in the body fluids of cattle and horses. The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of BPV DNA and the expression of viral genes in the blood and sperm cells of healthy horses using PCR and RT ‐ PCR . BPV ‐1 or 2 was detected in 14 of 70 blood samples (20%) and in 11 of 31 semen samples (35%). In five of fourteen blood samples, the E 5 expression tested positive, while no blood sample was positive for L 1 expression. Four of 11 (36%) semen cell samples proved to be positive for E 5 expression, while no gene expression in L 1 could be detected. This is the first study that shows BPV 1 gene expression in the blood and semen of healthy horses. Our data illustrate the need for a better understanding of the presence of BPV in non‐epithelial tissues of horses and their role in the vertical and horizontal transmission of these viruses.