A virome sequencing approach to feline oral squamous cell carcinoma to evaluate causative factors

Reported here is a metagenomic study for DNA viruses in 20 FOSCC, 9 normal feline oral mucosal, and 8 suspected papillomavirus positive control samples. We tested the hypothesis that viruses would be enriched in FOSCC compared to normal oral mucosa.The virome of the FOSCC and normal feline oral mucosa consisted of feline foamy virus (35% and 22%), feline torque teno virus (5% and 0%), alphaherpesvirus (5% and 0%), FIV (0% and 11%), Epstein-Barr virus (5% and 0%) and feline papillomavirus (5% and 0% respectively). Felis catus papillomavirus-3 was found in 1/20 FOSCC samples. A virus was not associated consistently with FOSCC. FOSCC appears most closely related to HPV-negative HNSCC. Future research on FOSCC should focus on identifying genetic and environmental causes.