Epidermolysis Bullosa in Calves in the United Kingdom

    November 2009 in “ Journal of Comparative Pathology ”
    Aiden Foster, A.M. Skuse, Robert Higgins, David C Barrett, Adrian Philbey, Jill R. Thomson, H. Thompson, Mary Fraser, Paul E. Bowden, Michael Day
    TLDR Epidermolysis bullosa in calves was not caused by mutations in the keratin genes bKRT5 and bKRT14.
    Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) was identified in eight calves across four farms in the UK, involving Simmental and Holstein-Friesian breeds. The condition was characterized by multifocal erosion and ulceration in various areas, including the mouth and limbs, along with alopecia and crusting. Histopathological analysis revealed separation of the epidermis from the dermis, forming clefts with fluid and blood cells, affecting both follicular and interfollicular skin areas. Ultrastructural examination showed vacuolar changes in basal keratinocytes. Genetic screening ruled out mutations in the keratin genes bKRT5 and bKRT14 as the cause of EB in these cases.
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