2024 article
A putatively novel papillomavirus associated with cutaneous plaques and squamous cell carcinoma in captive North American snow leopards (<i>Panthera uncia</i>)
Womble, M., Weingart, S., May, S., Garner, M., & Luff, J. (2024, May 21). VETERINARY PATHOLOGY.
author keywords: Panthera uncia; papillomavirus; snow leopards; squamous cell carcinoma; viral plaques
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being
(Web of Science)
5. Gender Equality
(Web of Science)
Source: Web Of Science
Added: June 3, 2024
Cutaneous plaques and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are common in captive North American snow leopards (SLs) ( Panthera uncia). Our objective was to determine whether these lesions are potentially associated with papillomavirus(es). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on 3 cutaneous plaques using degenerate primers for papillomaviruses. A putatively novel papillomavirus was identified that shared 76% sequence identity to Felis catus papillomavirus 2. Specific PCR for this virus was performed on 5 cutaneous SCC samples and 7 normal skin samples, which were all positive. In situ hybridization for this putatively novel virus was performed, which revealed strong hybridization signals within hyperplastic cells in cutaneous plaques (n = 3) and within neoplastic cells in cutaneous SCC samples (n = 5). No hybridization signals were identified within normal skin. Ultimately, identification of a causal viral agent in the development of plaques and SCC in SLs will help guide therapeutic intervention and lay the foundation for development of prophylactic vaccines.