Novel gammaherpesvirus associated with primary gastric T-cell lymphoma in a free-ranging giant armadillo in Brazil

The number of viral-associated neoplasms reported in wildlife has increased over the last decades, likely because of growing research efforts and a potentially greater burden of carcinogenic pathogens. Herein, we describe a primary gastric T-cell lymphoma in one free-ranging giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) from Brazilian Pantanal infected by a novel gammaherpesvirus, proposed as Cingulatid gammaherpesvirus 1 (CiHV-1). By chromogenic in situ hybridisation against Epstein-Barr virus some neoplastic cells were labeled. Subsequently, a molecular screening was carried out to detect the occurrence of this pathogen in other giant armadillos in the same region. Overall, this novel virus was detected in 14.3% (3/21) of the tested giant armadillos. We suggest this herpesvirus, the first in Xenarthra, as a plausible aetiology of the neoplasm. The implications of CiHV-1 for this species are uncertain; while no outbreaks of disease have been recorded, the present study raises concerns. Further research is warranted to assess the real significance of CiHV-1 and its potential oncogenic role in this species.

Automated summary

The number of viral-associated neoplasms reported in wildlife has increased over the past few decades, with one case being a primary gastric T-cell lymphoma in a free-ranging giant armadillo in the Brazilian Pantanal infected by a novel gammaherpesvirus. This study suggests that the herpesvirus may be a plausible cause of the neoplasm in this species, but the implications for the giant armadillo remain uncertain. Further research is needed to assess the real significance of CiHV-1 and its potential oncogenic role in this species.