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Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Cutaneous changes induced by Brazilian porcupinepox virus in wild porcupines
Nathana Beatriz Martins1, Matheus Vicente da Silva2, Gustavo Martins Felix Silva3
1Veterinary Etiological Investigation Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Abstract:
Brazilian porcupinepox virus (BPoPV) was recently identified in free-ranging Brazilian porcupines (Coendou longicaudatus) in Brazil. In this study, we investigated the histopathological and ultrastructural features of BPoPV infection in four individuals and documented the occurrence of BPoPV in Goiás state, Brazil, where the virus had not been reported previously. Cutaneous lesions exhibited characteristic poxviral cytopathic changes. Histopathological analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed intralesional poxvirus-like particles, confirming both epithelial and systemic viral tropism. These findings contribute to the current understanding of BPoPV-associated disease and raise concerns regarding its potential impact on wild porcupine populations and conservation efforts.
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