Papillomaviral skin diseases of humans, dogs, cats and horses: A comparative review. Part 2: Pre-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases

Vet J. 2022 Oct:288:105898. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2022.105898. Epub 2022 Sep 21.

Abstract

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are well recognized to cause pre-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases in humans. Similarly, there is increasing evidence that PVs play a significant role in the development of pre-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases of the haired skin of dogs and cats, and the mucosa of horses. As the mechanisms by which PVs cause neoplasia are well studied in humans, it is valuable to compare the PV-induced neoplasms of humans with similar PV-associated neoplasms in the companion animal species. In the second part of this comparative review, the pre-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases thought to be caused by PVs in humans, dogs, cats, and horses are described. This includes PV-induced cutaneous plaques, cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and mucosal SCCs within the four species. The review concludes with a discussion about the potential use of vaccines to prevent PV-induced diseases of dogs, cats, and horses.

Keywords: Bowenoid in situ carcinoma; Oncogenic viruses; Pigmented plaques; Squamous cell carcinoma; Viral plaques.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / veterinary
  • Cat Diseases*
  • Cats
  • DNA, Viral
  • Dog Diseases*
  • Dogs
  • Horse Diseases*
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Papillomaviridae / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms* / veterinary
  • Virus Diseases* / veterinary

Substances

  • DNA, Viral