Papillomaviruses in felids

The ability of papillomaviruses (PVs) to cause disease in human beings and most domestic animals has long been recognised. However, disease due to PVs in cats was not reported until 1990. Since this first description of feline cutaneous viral plaques, additional feline diseases have been causally linked to PVs, and PV-induced disease has been reported in a wide range of felids. In this review, the PV replication cycle and the subsequent immune response are discussed, along with diagnostic methods to confirm intralesional infection. In domestic cats, viral plaques, Bowenoid in situ carcinomas and feline sarcoids are thought to be caused by PV infection; the appearance, clinical behaviour and causative PVs of these diseases are discussed. Recent evidence that PVs could also be a significant cause of feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas is reviewed. Lastly, PV-associated diseases of exotic felids are presented.