Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
New papillomavirus linked to nasal skin cancer in a cat
By Carrai, Maura et al.·Published in Viruses·2020·Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Identification of A Novel Papillomavirus Associated with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in A Domestic Cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A domestic cat with nasal cancer and recurrent skin tumors was found to have a new type of virus linked to its condition. This cat had both nasal cavity lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) affecting its nose. Researchers identified a novel virus called Felis catus papillomavirus 6 (FcaPV6) in a biopsy of the tumor. This virus was not found in other tissues, suggesting it may play a role in the development of the skin cancer. Unfortunately, the cat's prognosis was poor due to the aggressive nature of its cancers.
People also search for: cat skin cancer treatment · nasal cancer in cats · papillomavirus in cats
Abstract
Papillomaviruses infect the skin and mucosal surfaces of diverse animal hosts with consequences ranging from asymptomatic colonization to highly malignant epithelial cancers. Increasing evidence suggests a role for papillomaviruses in the most common cutaneous malignancy of domestic cats, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Using total DNA sequencing we identified a novel feline papillomavirus in a nasal biopsy taken from a cat presenting with both nasal cavity lymphoma and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma affecting the nasal planum. We designate this novel virus as Felis catus papillomavirus 6 (FcaPV6). The complete FcaPV6 7453 bp genome was similar to those of other feline papillomaviruses and phylogenetic analysis revealed that it was most closely related to FcaPV3, although was distinct enough to represent a new viral type. Classification of FcaPV6 in a new genus alongside FcaPVs 3, 4 and 5 is supported. Archived excisional biopsy of the SCC, taken 20 months prior to presentation, was intensely positive on p16 immunostaining. FcaPV6, amplified using virus-specific, but not consensus, PCR, was the only papillomavirus detected in DNA extracted from the SCC. Conversely, renal lymphoma, sampled at necropsy two months after presentation, tested negative on FcaPV6-specific PCR. In sum, using metagenomics we demonstrate the presence of a novel feline papillomavirus in association with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31968684/