Pathologic characterization of Felis catus papillomavirus type 5 (FcaPV-5)-associated viral plaques and Bowenoid in situ carcinoma in a Domestic Shorthair cat

Abstract

The present paper describes Felis catus papillomavirus (FcaPV) type 5-associated cutaneous mass in a Domestic Shorthair cat. Histological examination revealed multicentric epidermal acanthosis with papillomavirus-associated cytopathic changes, which progressed to a tumor lobule with intact basement membrane. An association between FcaPV-5 and the cutaneous lesions was confirmed by detection of virus antigen and genes using immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing analysis, and in situ hybridization. Based on these findings, the lesions were diagnosed as FcaPV-5-associated viral plaques and Bowenoid in situ carcinoma (BISC). To date, this is the first reported case of FcaPV-5 infection in a cat in Japan, and the second case reported worldwide. For the first time this papillomavirus type is associated with BISC development.