PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

The samples were taken from 106 cows with various-looking lesions on their teats and ranged in age from 2 to 8 years. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antigen (Ag) positive for the bovine papillomavirus (BPV) was found in 59 (55.7%) blood serum samples. PCR using FAP59/64 primers was positive for 24 (22.6%) samples. BPV-2 (40, 37.7%), BPV-6 (28, 26.4%), BPV-8 (30, 28.3%), BPV-9 (36, 34%), BPV-10 (32, 30.3%), and BPV-12 (22, 20.8%) were found in a PCR type-specific analysis of single and mixed type teat warts. The highest positivity was observed in BPV-2, BPV-9 and BPV-10 in flat and round forms, BPV-6, BPV-10, BPV-12, and mixed types in rice grain-cauliflower forms, BPV-9 and mixed types in filiform in the distribution of types based on the macroscopic appearance of teat lesions. As for the distribution of BPV types according to age, the most BPV-2 types were found in the age group of two years, the most BPV-10 types in the age group of three years, the most BPV-9 types in the age group of four years, the most BPV-8+BPV-12 types in the age group of five years, and the most mixed types between the ages of six and eight years. The existence of the virus was then checked using electron microscopy on the chosen samples (at least one investigation was conducted), and it was positively identified using BPV type-specific primers. The authors concluded that BPV detection using an ELISA (Ag) test from blood serum samples was shown to be less sensitive than BPV type-specific PCR from wart samples.

• Bovine papillomavirus pathology diagnosis teat virology cows

Abstract in Portuguese:

The samples were taken from 106 cows with various-looking lesions on their teats and ranged in age from 2 to 8 years. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antigen (Ag) positive for the bovine papillomavirus (BPV) was found in 59 (55.7%) blood serum samples. PCR using FAP59/64 primers was positive for 24 (22.6%) samples. BPV-2 (40, 37.7%), BPV-6 (28, 26.4%), BPV-8 (30, 28.3%), BPV-9 (36, 34%), BPV-10 (32, 30.3%), and BPV-12 (22, 20.8%) were found in a PCR type-specific analysis of single and mixed type teat warts. The highest positivity was observed in BPV-2, BPV-9 and BPV-10 in flat and round forms, BPV-6, BPV-10, BPV-12, and mixed types in rice grain-cauliflower forms, BPV-9 and mixed types in filiform in the distribution of types based on the macroscopic appearance of teat lesions. As for the distribution of BPV types according to age, the most BPV-2 types were found in the age group of two years, the most BPV-10 types in the age group of three years, the most BPV-9 types in the age group of four years, the most BPV-8+BPV-12 types in the age group of five years, and the most mixed types between the ages of six and eight years. The existence of the virus was then checked using electron microscopy on the chosen samples (at least one investigation was conducted), and it was positively identified using BPV type-specific primers. The authors concluded that BPV detection using an ELISA (Ag) test from blood serum samples was shown to be less sensitive than BPV type-specific PCR from wart samples.

• Bovine papillomavirus pathology diagnosis teat virology cows

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- De Alcântara B.K., Alfieri A.A., Headley S.A., Rodrigues W.B., Otonel R.A.A., Lunardi M. & Alfieri A.F. 2015. Molecular characterization of bovine Deltapapillomavirus (BPV1, 2, and 13) DNA in equine sarcoids. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 35(5):431-436. Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 10011, Londrina, PR 86057-970, Brazil. E-mail: alfieri@uel.br Sarcoids are fibroblastic lesions, which are considered as the most common skin tumors of horses; spontaneous regression rarely occurs. The bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 and 2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of sarcoids, and probably the recently described BPV type (BPV13) might be associated with the pathogenesis of this lesion. This study characterized the DNA of BPVs in sarcoids from 15 horses from Brazil by analyzing 20 cutaneous lesions (12 recently collected; 8 from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues). Histopathology confirmed the proliferative lesions as sarcoids. Three PCRs were performed to amplify papillomavirus (PV) DNA. For screening, the primers IFNR2/IDNT2 were used to amplify a fragment of the PV L1 ORF. The second primer set was complementary to a common sequence of the E5L2 genomic region of BPV1, 2, and 13. The third primer pair (FAP59/FAP64) targeted a fragment of the PVs L1 ORF. The screening and E5L2 PCRs yielded amplicons in all samples evaluated. The FAP amplicons identified BPV1, 2, and 13 only from fresh tissue samples. The phylogenetic analyses of E5L2 resulted in the identification of BPV1, 2, and 13 in 14 (70%), 2 (10%), and 4 (20%) sarcoids, respectively. Two horses demonstrated multiple lesions: the sarcoids of one of these contained only BPV1 DNA and those of the other contained three types of bovine Deltapapillomavirus (BPV1, 2, and 13). This study confirmed the presence of BPV1, 2, and 13 DNA in equine sarcoids. Moreover, these findings represent the first description of three types of BPV diagnosed in the same horse, as well as the first confirmation of BPV1 and 2 in horses from Brazil.

• Papillomavirus Bovine Deltapapillomavirus skin tumor Papilomavírus Deltapapillomavirus bovino tumor de pele

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- De Alcântara B.K., Alfieri A.A., Headley S.A., Rodrigues W.B., Otonel R.A.A., Lunardi M. & Alfieri A.F. 2015. Molecular characterization of bovine Deltapapillomavirus (BPV1, 2, and 13) DNA in equine sarcoids. [Caracterização molecular de DNA de Deltapapillomavirus bovino (BPV1, 2 e 13) em sarcoides equinos.] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 35(5):431-436. Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 10011, Londrina, PR 86057-970, Brazil. E-mail: alfieri@uel.br Sarcoides são tumores fibroblásticos, considerados os tumores de pele mais comuns em pele de equinos e que raramente apresentam regressão espontânea. Papilomavírus bovino (BPV) tipos 1 e 2 são relacionados com a patogenia do sarcoide e, provavelmente, o BPV tipo 13 (BPV13), recentemente descrito, também pode estar associado com a formação dessa lesão. Neste estudo, 20 amostras de lesões cutâneas, sendo 12 constituídas por tecidos frescos e 8 amostras de tecido fixado em formalina e embebido em parafina, provenientes de 15 cavalos foram utilizadas para a identificação do DNA de BPV. A análise histopatológica (HE) confirmou todas as lesões como sarcoide. Para a amplificação do DNA de papilomavírus (PV) foram realizadas três reações de PCR. Como triagem, os primers IFNR2/IDNT2 foram utilizados para amplificar um fragmento da ORF L1 do PV. O segundo par de primers utilizado é complementar a sequência dos genes E5 e L2 de BPVs 1, 2 e 13. O terceiro par de primers (FAP59/FAP64) utilizado tem o gene L1 como alvo. A primeira e a segunda PCRs permitiram amplificar produtos em todas as amostras avaliadas. Entretanto, na terceira reação, na qual foram utilizados os primers FAP, foi possível amplificar produtos com tamanho molecular esperado somente nas amostras constituídas por tecidos frescos. O sequenciamento de nucleotídeos e as análises filogenéticas realizadas nos fragmentos E5L2 resultaram na identificação de BPV1, 2 e 13 em 14 (70%), 2 (10%) e em 4 (20%) amostras de sarcoides, respectivamente. As amostras de sarcoides de um dos animais continha somente o DNA de BPV1. Entretanto, nas amostras provenientes do segundo cavalo foi possível identificar o DNA de três tipos de Deltapapillomavirus bovino (BPV1, 2 e 13) em lesões distintas. Este estudo ratifica a presença do DNA de BPV1, 2 e 13 em lesões de sarcoides em equinos, além de identificar três tipos de BPVs em um mesmo animal e descrever pela primeira vez no Brasil a presença de BPV1 e 2 nesse tipo de lesão.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- De Alcântara B.K., Alfieri A.A., Rodrigues W.B., Otonel R.A.A., Lunardi M., Headley S.A. & Alfieri A.F. 2014. Identification of canine papillomavirus type 1 (CPV1) DNA in dogs with cutaneous papillomatosis. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 34(12):1223-1226. Laboratório de Virologia Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 10011, Londrina. PR 86057-970, Brazil. E-mail: alfieri@uel.br Canine oral papillomavirus (COPV), also known as Canine Papillomavirus type 1 (CPV1), induces papillomas at the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and at the haired skin of dogs. The classification of Papillomavirus (PV) types is based on the L1 capsid protein and nucleotide sequence; so far, 14 CPV types have been described in several countries, but the molecular characterization of CPV in Brazil is lacking. This study investigated the presence of the PV in seven papillomas from four mixed breed dogs from Londrina/PR, Southern Brazil, by partial sequencing of the L1 gene. Seven exophytic cutaneous lesions were surgically removed and processed for histopathological and molecular characterization. Histopathology confirmed the lesions as viral papillomas due to typical histological features. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay using the FAP59 and FAP64 primers targeted the L1 gene followed by sequence analysis of the amplicons identified CPV1 in all evaluated papilloma samples. This study represents the first description of CPV1 DNA associated with canine papillomatosis in Brazil.

• Papillomatosis canine papillomavirus papilomatose papillomavirus canino

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- De Alcântara B.K., Alfieri A.A., Rodrigues W.B., Otonel R.A.A., Lunardi M., Headley S.A. & Alfieri A.F. 2014. Identification of canine papillomavirus type 1 (CPV1) DNA in dogs with cutaneous papillomatosis. [Identificação do DNA de Papillomavirus canino tipo 1 em cães com papilomas cutâneos no Brasil.] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 34(12):1223-1226. Laboratório de Virologia Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 10011, Londrina. PR 86057-970, Brazil. E-mail: alfieri@uel.br O papilomavírus oral canino (COPV), também denominado Papillomavirus canino tipo 1 (CPV1), tem a capacidade de induzir papilomas na mucosa da cavidade oral e também em pele de cães. A classificação dos tipos de papilomavírus (PV) é baseada na proteína L1 do capsídeo e na sequência de nucleotídeos que a codifica. Atualmente são descritos 14 tipos de CPV, no entanto, ainda faltam estudos moleculares relacionados à identificação dos tipos de CPV no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a presença de PV em fragmentos de papilomas obtidos de quatro cães sem raça definida, provenientes de Londrina/PR, região sul do Brasil, e definir o tipo viral por meio da análise da sequência parcial de nucleotídeos do gene L1. Sete lesões cutâneas foram cirurgicamente removidas e processadas ​​para a caracterização histopatológica e molecular. O exame histopatológico confirmou as lesões como papilomas. Foi realizada reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR), utilizando os primers FAP59 FAP64 para a amplificação parcial do gene L1, seguida por análise das sequências dos produtos amplificados, que confirmou a presença do CPV1 em todas as amostras avaliadas. Este estudo representa a primeira identificação do DNA de CPV1 associado com papilomatose canina no Brasil.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Masuda E.K., Kommers G.D., Rosa F.B., Barros C.S.L., Fighera R.A. & Piazer J.V.M. 2011. [Relationship between lymphopenia and the persistence of alimentary papillomatosis in cattle chronically and spontaneously poisoned by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum).] Relação entre a linfopenia e a persistência da papilomatose alimentar em bovinos intoxicados crônica e espontaneamente por samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(5):383-388. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Avenida Roraima 1000, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail:glaukommers@yahoo.com Bovine papillomavirus type-4 (BPV-4) is responsible for the development of papillomas in the upper digestive tract (UDT) of cattle. The necessary steps for the development, growth and regression of papillomas are intimately related with the immunological status of the animal. The consumption of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) has been pointed out as the major factor involved in the persistence of BPV-4 infection of the UDT. The theory involving the relationship between alimentary papillomas and the formation of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) suggests the persistence of alimentary papillomatosis through a chronic immunosupressive lymphopenic state induced by bracken fern. The papillomas would serve then as a development site of SCCs through the interaction of BPV-4 oncoproteins and bracken carcinogens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between lymphopenia and alimentary papillomatosis in spontaneous cases of chronic bracken fern poisoning of cattle. The age, intensity of papillomatosis and the leukon were evaluated of 40 cattle with SCCs of the UDT. Three animals had leukopenia and one had neutrophilia. The mean lymphocyte count (and standart deviation) of mild, moderate and severe papillomatosis was 5,395(±1,696)/mm3, 4,560(±1,561)/mm3 and 5,007(±1,786)/mm3, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the intensity of alimentary papillomasis, age and the lymphocyte count. Immunosupression by lymphopenia was a sporadic finding (three cases) in the present study. The results demonstrate that the persistence of alimentary papilomatosis in spontaneous cases of bracken fern-related SCCs of the UDT is not related to lymphopenia and it may be related to other immunological factors.

• Pteridium aquilinum papillomatosis bovine papillomavirus type 4 plant poisoning diseases of cattle Plantas tóxicas papilomatose papilomavírus bovino tipo 4 intoxicação por planta

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Masuda E.K., Kommers G.D., Rosa F.B., Barros C.S.L., Fighera R.A. & Piazer J.V.M. 2011. [Relationship between lymphopenia and the persistence of alimentary papillomatosis in cattle chronically and spontaneously poisoned by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum).] Relação entre a linfopenia e a persistência da papilomatose alimentar em bovinos intoxicados crônica e espontaneamente por samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(5):383-388. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Avenida Roraima 1000, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail:glaukommers@yahoo.com Papilomavírus bovino tipo 4 (BPV-4) é responsável pelo desenvolvimento de papilomas no trato alimentar superior (TAS) de bovinos. Os passos necessários para o crescimento, o desenvolvimento e a regressão dos papilomas estão intimamente relacionados com o estado imunológico do animal. A ingestão de samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum) tem sido relacionada como o principal fator envolvido na persistência da infecção pelo BPV-4 no TAS. A teoria que estabelece a relação entre papilomatose alimentar e a formação de CCEs sugere a produção de um estado imunossupressivo crônico pela planta, permitindo a persistência dos papilomas no TAS. Os papilomas serviriam então como sítios de desenvolvimento dos CCEs através da interação entre as proteínas do BPV-4 e os carcinógenos da samambaia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a relação entre a quantidade de linfócitos circulantes e a papilomatose alimentar em casos de intoxicação espontânea crônica por P. aquilinum em bovinos com CCE no TAS. Quarenta bovinos com CCEs no TAS foram avaliados quanto à idade, à intensidade da papilomatose alimentar no TAS e ao leucograma. Três bovinos tinham leucopenia e um apresentava neutrofilia. A média de linfócitos foi de 5.395 (±1.696) na papilomatose leve, 4.560 (±1.561) na moderada e 5.007 (±1.786) na acentuada. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o grau de papilomatose, a idade e a quantidade de linfócitos circulantes. Imunossupressão por linfopenia foi um achado esporádico (três casos) neste estudo. Os resultados indicam que a persistência da papilomatose alimentar em casos espontâneos de intoxicação crônica por samambaia em bovinos não tem relação com a quantidade de linfócitos circulantes e que talvez esteja relacionada a outros fatores imunológicos.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Claus M.P., Lunardi M., Alfieri A.F., Sartori D., Fungaro M.H.P & Alfieri A.A. 2009. Identification of the recently described new type of bovine papillomavirus (BPV-8) in a Brazilian beef cattle herd. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):25-28. Laboratório de Virologia Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: alfieri@uel.br Bovine papillomavirus type 8 (BPV-8) was first detected and described in teat warts as well as in healthy teat skin from cattle raised in Japan. The entire viral genome was sequenced in 2007. Additionally, a variant of BPV-8, BPV-8-EB, was also identified from papillomatous lesions of a European bison in Slovakia. In Brazil, despite the relatively common occurrence of BPV infections, the identification and determination of viral types present in cattle is still sporadic. The aim of this study is to report the occurrence of the recently described BPV-8 in Brazil. The virus was identified in a skin warts obtained from a beef cattle herd located in Parana state, southern Brazil. The papilloma had a macular, non-verrucous gross aspect and was located on the dorsal thorax of a cow. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using generic primers for partial amplification of L1 gene. The obtained amplicon (480bp) was cloned and two selected clones were sequenced. The nucleotide sequence was compared to existing papillomaviral genomic sequences, identifying the virus as BPV type 8. This study represents the first report of BPV-8 occurrence in Brazil, what suggests its presence among Brazilian cattle.

• Bovine bovine papillomavirus type 8 BPV-8 cutaneous papillomatosis molecular analysis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Claus M.P., Lunardi M., Alfieri A.F., Sartori D., Fungaro M.H.P & Alfieri A.A. 2009. Identification of the recently described new type of bovine papillomavirus (BPV-8) in a Brazilian beef cattle herd. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):25-28. Laboratório de Virologia Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: alfieri@uel.br Bovine papillomavirus type 8 (BPV-8) was first detected and described in teat warts as well as in healthy teat skin from cattle raised in Japan. The entire viral genome was sequenced in 2007. Additionally, a variant of BPV-8, BPV-8-EB, was also identified from papillomatous lesions of a European bison in Slovakia. In Brazil, despite the relatively common occurrence of BPV infections, the identification and determination of viral types present in cattle is still sporadic. The aim of this study is to report the occurrence of the recently described BPV-8 in Brazil. The virus was identified in a skin warts obtained from a beef cattle herd located in Parana state, southern Brazil. The papilloma had a macular, non-verrucous gross aspect and was located on the dorsal thorax of a cow. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using generic primers for partial amplification of L1 gene. The obtained amplicon (480bp) was cloned and two selected clones were sequenced. The nucleotide sequence was compared to existing papillomaviral genomic sequences, identifying the virus as BPV type 8. This study represents the first report of BPV-8 occurrence in Brazil, what suggests its presence among Brazilian cattle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Claus M.P., Vivian D., Lunardi M., Alfieri A.F. & Alfieri A.A. 2007. [Phylogenetic analysis of bovine papillomavirus associated with skin warts in cattle herds from the state of Paraná.] Análise filogenética do papilomavírus bovino associado a lesões cutâneas em rebanhos do Estado do Paraná. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):314-318. Laboratório de Virologia Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: alfieri@uel.br Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) infection causes hyperplastic lesions in the cutaneous epithelium of cattle. Six types of BPV were classified in two sub-groups, being correlated to the anatomical regions of the infection and morphologic characteristics of the lesions. The present study was carried out to identify the types of BPV present in skin warts of cattle from the state of Paraná, Brazil. The generic primers FAP59 and FAP64 were used for amplification of a 478 bp fragment of BPV L1 gene in nine cutaneous papilloma samples obtained from six animals in four herds. In all papillomas examined, a product with the expected molecular size was amplified. Phylogenetic analysis of the PCR products identified BPV-2 in three samples, BPV-1 in one, and BPV-6 in five papillomas. BPV-6 was detected in cutaneous papillomas of the teat and in other body parts as well. In one animal, from which more than one sample was collected, a concomitant infection by BPV-1 and BPV-2 was identified. The five positive BPV-6 samples showed a nucleotide identity of 100% with the sequence of the reference strain available in GenBank. However, differences among BPV-2 and BPV-1 Brazilian samples and the respective reference sequences deposited in GenBank were observed. Molecular comparison of the two BPV-2 strains identified showed the involvement of two viral variants. This study revealed the diversity of BPV types circulating in the state of Paraná.

• Bovine papillomavirus cutaneous papillomatosis phylogeny polymerase chain reaction

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Claus M.P., Vivian D., Lunardi M., Alfieri A.F. & Alfieri A.A. 2007. [Phylogenetic analysis of bovine papillomavirus associated with skin warts in cattle herds from the state of Paraná.] Análise filogenética do papilomavírus bovino associado a lesões cutâneas em rebanhos do Estado do Paraná. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):314-318. Laboratório de Virologia Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: alfieri@uel.br Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) infection causes hyperplastic lesions in the cutaneous epithelium of cattle. Six types of BPV were classified in two sub-groups, being correlated to the anatomical regions of the infection and morphologic characteristics of the lesions. The present study was carried out to identify the types of BPV present in skin warts of cattle from the state of Paraná, Brazil. The generic primers FAP59 and FAP64 were used for amplification of a 478 bp fragment of BPV L1 gene in nine cutaneous papilloma samples obtained from six animals in four herds. In all papillomas examined, a product with the expected molecular size was amplified. Phylogenetic analysis of the PCR products identified BPV-2 in three samples, BPV-1 in one, and BPV-6 in five papillomas. BPV-6 was detected in cutaneous papillomas of the teat and in other body parts as well. In one animal, from which more than one sample was collected, a concomitant infection by BPV-1 and BPV-2 was identified. The five positive BPV-6 samples showed a nucleotide identity of 100% with the sequence of the reference strain available in GenBank. However, differences among BPV-2 and BPV-1 Brazilian samples and the respective reference sequences deposited in GenBank were observed. Molecular comparison of the two BPV-2 strains identified showed the involvement of two viral variants. This study revealed the diversity of BPV types circulating in the state of Paraná.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Moreira Souto M.A., Kommers G.D., Barros C.S.L., Piazer J.V.M., Rech R.R., Riet-Correa F. & Schild A.L. 2006. [Neoplasms of the upper digestive tract of cattle associated with spontaneous ingestion of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum).] Neoplasias do trato alimentar superior de bovinos associadas ao consumo espontâneo de samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):112-122. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com Thirty bovine with neoplasms of the upper digestive tract (UDT) associated with spontaneous ingestion of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) were studied. They were from 27 farms, located in the municipalities of Jaguari (23) and Nova Esperança do Sul (4), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The total cattle population in those farms was 1,090 and large amounts of bracken fern were found in the pastures. Twenty-six of the affected cattle were cows and four were castrated males, 3-13 years of age; most of them were 7-8 years old (46,6%). Clinical signs observed in the affected animals were progressive weight loss, absence of ruminal movements, cough, dysphagia, regurgitation, halitosis, diarrhea, and bloat. Less frequent signs were selective appetite, dyspnea, and salivation. Two bovine died and 28 were submitted to euthanasia in advanced stage of disease and necropsied. The main gross and microscopic alterations were found in identical areas of the UDT. They consisted of papillomas, transforming papillomas, and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Metastases of SCCs to regional lymph nodes and other organs, such as liver and lungs, were also observed (18/30). Twenty-nine bovine had papillomas of various sizes in several areas of the UDT. The digestive papillomatosis ranged from mild (45%), to moderate (38%), to severe (17%). Three developing phases were observed microscopically in the examined papillomas: an early growing phase, a developing phase, and a regressing phase. In 16 cases, there was malignant transformation of papillomas into SCCs. The SCCs were solitary (12/30) or multiple (18/30) and were histologically well, moderately, or poorly differentiated. Grouping the distribution of SCCs of larger extension in the UDT into cranial region (base of the tongue, pharynx/oropharynx, and epiglottis), medial region (esophagus), and caudal region (cardia and rumen), the distribution was cranial in 39%, middle in 16%, and caudal in 45% of the cases. By the same grouping criteria, but considering the total number of times SCCs of varied extensions were diagnosed in the cranial, middle, and caudal regions, the percentages changed to 34%, 26%, and 40%, respectively. The epidemiological and histomorphological evidences found in this study are in agreement with the observations that point out the co-carcinogenesis between bovine papillomavirus type 4 infection and chemicals of bracken fern in the pathogenesis of the SCCs in the UDT of cattle. However, the presence of pre-neoplastic changes and SCCs in situ or in early stages of development, independently of the presence of papillomas, clearly indicates the possibility of development of SCCs from normal epithelium, probably due to the direct action of the chemical carcinogens contained in bracken fern.

• Poisonous plants Pteridium aquilinum plant poisoning bovine papillomavirus type 4 squamous cell carcinoma diseases of cattle pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Moreira Souto M.A., Kommers G.D., Barros C.S.L., Piazer J.V.M., Rech R.R., Riet-Correa F. & Schild A.L. 2006. [Neoplasms of the upper digestive tract of cattle associated with spontaneous ingestion of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum).] Neoplasias do trato alimentar superior de bovinos associadas ao consumo espontâneo de samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):112-122. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com Thirty bovine with neoplasms of the upper digestive tract (UDT) associated with spontaneous ingestion of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) were studied. They were from 27 farms, located in the municipalities of Jaguari (23) and Nova Esperança do Sul (4), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The total cattle population in those farms was 1,090 and large amounts of bracken fern were found in the pastures. Twenty-six of the affected cattle were cows and four were castrated males, 3-13 years of age; most of them were 7-8 years old (46,6%). Clinical signs observed in the affected animals were progressive weight loss, absence of ruminal movements, cough, dysphagia, regurgitation, halitosis, diarrhea, and bloat. Less frequent signs were selective appetite, dyspnea, and salivation. Two bovine died and 28 were submitted to euthanasia in advanced stage of disease and necropsied. The main gross and microscopic alterations were found in identical areas of the UDT. They consisted of papillomas, transforming papillomas, and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Metastases of SCCs to regional lymph nodes and other organs, such as liver and lungs, were also observed (18/30). Twenty-nine bovine had papillomas of various sizes in several areas of the UDT. The digestive papillomatosis ranged from mild (45%), to moderate (38%), to severe (17%). Three developing phases were observed microscopically in the examined papillomas: an early growing phase, a developing phase, and a regressing phase. In 16 cases, there was malignant transformation of papillomas into SCCs. The SCCs were solitary (12/30) or multiple (18/30) and were histologically well, moderately, or poorly differentiated. Grouping the distribution of SCCs of larger extension in the UDT into cranial region (base of the tongue, pharynx/oropharynx, and epiglottis), medial region (esophagus), and caudal region (cardia and rumen), the distribution was cranial in 39%, middle in 16%, and caudal in 45% of the cases. By the same grouping criteria, but considering the total number of times SCCs of varied extensions were diagnosed in the cranial, middle, and caudal regions, the percentages changed to 34%, 26%, and 40%, respectively. The epidemiological and histomorphological evidences found in this study are in agreement with the observations that point out the co-carcinogenesis between bovine papillomavirus type 4 infection and chemicals of bracken fern in the pathogenesis of the SCCs in the UDT of cattle. However, the presence of pre-neoplastic changes and SCCs in situ or in early stages of development, independently of the presence of papillomas, clearly indicates the possibility of development of SCCs from normal epithelium, probably due to the direct action of the chemical carcinogens contained in bracken fern.