Identification of two novel papillomaviruses in belugas

Introduction Papillomaviruses (PVs) can cause hyperplasia in the skin and mucous membranes of humans, mammals, non-mammalian animals, are a significant risk factor for cervical genital cancers. Methods Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we identified two novel strains papillomavirus, PV-HMU-1 PV-HMU-2, swabs taken from belugas ( Delphinapterus leucas ) at Polar Ocean Parks Qingdao Dalian. Results We amplified complete genomes both screened ten one false killer whale Pseudorca crassidens late gene (L1) to determine infection rate. In Qingdao, 50% sampled were infected with PV-HMU-1, while was negative. Dalian, 71% eight PV-HMU-2. their L1 genes, PV-HMU-2 showed 64.99 68.12% amino acid identity, respectively, other members Papillomaviridae . Phylogenetic analysis combinatorial sequences revealed that clustered known dolphin PVs but formed distinct branches. carried by proposed as species under Firstpapillomavirinae Conclusion The discovery these enhances our understanding genetic diversity papillomaviruses impact on beluga population.