Equine sarcoids from Southern Italy: Molecular and Histopathological characterization

This study investigated the presence of δ bovine papillomaviruses (BPV-1, BPV-2, BPV-13, BPV-14) in equine skin lesions from Southern Italy, focusing on equine sarcoids and their histopathological correlations. 63 equine skin samples were analysed using PCR and sequencing for BPV detection, and their histopathological features were assessed. BPV DNA was detected in 69.84% of the samples, with BPV-1 and BPV-2 being the most prevalent genotype, followed by BPV-13, while BPV-14 was not detected. BPV DNA was also found in non-sarcoid tumours and non-neoplastic conditions. Histopathological analysis revealed in 41 samples typical sarcoid features: fibroblastic atypia and extracellular matrix deposition. Despite no statistical correlation was found between BPV genotypes and histopathological features, BPV-1 infection was associated with more severe fibroblastic atypia and abundant extracellular matrix. This study provides insights into the prevalence and potential pathogenic roles of different BPV genotypes in equine sarcoids and other skin lesions, underscoring the critical need for further research to develop targeted therapies.