PCR detection of bovine papilloma virus DNA in superficial swabs and scrapings from equine sarcoids

The purpose of this study was to examine if bovine papilloma virus (BPV) DN A can be detected in superficial swabs or scrapings from equine sarcoids. S amples were obtained from 92 sarcoids and 20 non-sarcoidal control lesions. The polymerase chain reaction technique was used with a first primer set t o check whether DNA extraction was successful, and with a second primer set specific for BPV-DNA. DNA isolation was successful in 88% of the swabs and 93% of the scrapings. All control lesions were negative for BPV-DNA. BPV-DNA was detected in 88% and 91% of the successful swabs and scrapings f rom sarcoids respectively. The overall diagnostic sensitivity of the techni que was significantly lower compared to the clinical diagnosis of sarcoids and is unsuitable for occult sarcoids. However, the detection of BPV-DNA in all samples obtained from sarcoids with an ulcerated surface opens new per spectives for the detection of sarcoid involvement in wounds or recurrence after sarcoid removal. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.