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Detection of Cyprinid Herpesvirus 1 DNA in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of koi carp ( Cyprinus carpio )
Author(s) -
Sirri Rubina,
Ciulli Sara,
Barbé Tim,
Volpe Enrico,
Lazzari Maurizio,
Franceschini Valeria,
Errani Francesca,
Sarli Giuseppe,
Mandrioli Luciana
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
veterinary dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.744
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1365-3164
pISSN - 0959-4493
DOI - 10.1111/vde.12482
Subject(s) - cyprinus , carp , biology , pathology , immunohistochemistry , common carp , virology , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , medicine , fish <actinopterygii> , fishery
Background Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma ( cSCC ) is an uncommon disease affecting koi carp ( Cyprinus carpio ). Cutaneous papilloma (carp pox) is a benign epidermal proliferation reported in koi and has been shown to be caused by Cyprinid Herpesvirus 1 (Cy HV 1). Hypothesis/Objectives Histological, ultrastructural and molecular investigations were carried out aiming to investigate the aetiology of cSCC within archived tissue samples. Animals Surgical samples of masses located on the integument, fins and lips of 13 koi carp belonging to different private owners were included in this retrospective study. Methods Cy HV 1 DNA and RNA presence were investigated in five cSCC formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue samples to recognize Cy HV 1 presence and its replication activity. Results All cases were histologically diagnosed as cSCC . The ultrastructural observations confirmed the squamous differentiation of neoplastic epithelial cells, which showed abundant tonofilament bundles and desmosomes. Although no virus particles were revealed ultrastructurally, the molecular investigation detected viral DNA in five epidemiologically unrelated cSCC . Viral transcript analysis revealed no evidence for viral replication in the tested cSCC , which could be consistent with latent infection. Conclusions and clinical importance These findings illustrate the frequent association of carp cSCC with Cy HV 1, although a direct cause–effect relationship cannot be established at this time. Therefore, surveillance programmes should take into account the suspected viral origin of cSCC to better inform prevention and control of Cy HV 1 in the future.