Regression of bovine cutaneous papillomas via ivermectin-induced immunostimulant and oxidative stress

Ivermectin (IVM) could be used effectively to treat bovine cutaneous papillomatosis, a widespread viral skin disease that causes major economic losses in cattle. This study aimed to evaluate the regression of bovine cutaneous papillomas induced by IVM by estimating oxidative stress markers, besides clinicopathological and hematological findings.

Twenty naturally infected animals with cutaneous papillomatosis were chosen randomly and diagnosed clinically and histopathologically. All the infected animals were divided into groups: Group I (n = 10), which received no treatment and was considered the control group. In Group II (n = 10), the animals were subcutaneously injected at 0.2 mg/kg of IVM 2 weeks apart during the 90-day experimental period. Papilloma regression was tracked clinically, papilloma biopsies were taken for histopathological analysis, and blood samples were taken for hematological and oxidative parameter testing.

From the 15th to 45th day after receiving IVM, papillomas began to fade. Necrotic areas, ulcerations, and lymphocytic infiltration were found in the histopathological studies, besides a decrease in papilloma epidermal proliferation. total erythrocytes count, packed cell volume, total leucocytes count, and lymphocytes values were increased significantly, and a large decrease in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reduced was identified as signs of IVM-induced oxidative stress.

IVM has oxidative and immunostimulatory properties, and it can be used against cutaneous papillomatosis.