Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) causes benign tumours in the mucosal and cutaneous epithelium and is characterized by the presence of warts. The present study includes the molecular identification of BPV strains in samples of warts using degenerate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers FAP59/64. Skin biopsies were taken from crossbred cattle from two experimental farms of Instituto de Investigación Agropecuaria de Panamá (IDIAP) during the period from July 2016 to February 2018. Fourteen samples were positive by PCR amplification and sequenced at the laboratory of the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (IMELCF). The analysis of the sequences allowed the identification of strains related to seven viral types; this was the first time that this type of study was carried out in Panama. The present study showed that PCR amplification with the primers FAP59/64, which partially amplify the L1 gene, followed by direct sequencing was useful for genotyping BPV. This study possibly identified local strains of BPV2 and BBA2; however, it is necessary to carry out more studies to establish the diversity and distribution of this virus in the country. The results in this study are important for the development of prophylactic and therapeutic measures that contribute to reducing the economic losses associated with BPV in Panama.

 

Key words: Livestock, biotechnology, molecular genetics, virology, animal health.