Canine Papilloma Virus

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Canine Papilloma Virus {Uncurated}} A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Canine Papilloma Virus

Classification

Part of the Papillomaviridae family

Description and significance

Canine Papilloma Virus, more commonly referred to as dog warts, is a common virus in dogs as well as other mammals. It is typically found in the mouths of dogs and is known to be extremely painful. The virus appears as sores, or warts, that are a variety of shapes and sizes. Multiple papillomas, papillomatosis, of skin or mucosal surfaces are more common in younger animals whereas single papillomas are more common in older animals. Dogs are more susceptible when they have weaker immune systems and because the disease is transferred orally from dog to dog, it is important to not allow infected dogs to share food bowls, drinking water and to monitor how they are interacting with other dogs in day to day encounters. The disease is spread by contact with an infected dog, but is transmissible only to dogs and not to other humans or animals. The most preventative method of keeping a dog healthy from the virus is making sure the dog’s immune system is as strong as possible. This means ensuring that the canine is up to date on all of its yearly vaccinations and has regular physical examinations with a veterinarian. In addition, it is important to check the mouths and teeth of canines on a fairly regular basis for sores. The virus is sneaky in that it can lay dormant in a canine for weeks before showing signs of infection and can also re-occur again after an initial breakout. The disease is also capable of clearing up, meaning displaying no visible signs on the dog physically, but still continuing to be active inside the dog.

Genome structure

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Cell structure, metabolism & life cycle

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Ecology (including pathogenesis)

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Interesting feature

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References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.