Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in domestic cats from Pelotas, RS: molecular detection and risk factors.
- Journal:
- Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- Dallmann, Paola Renata Joanol et al.
- Affiliation:
- Faculdade de Veteriná · Brazil
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This study looked at two types of bacteria that can infect cats and cause a disease called feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis, which is also known as feline infectious anemia. Researchers tested 253 cats at a clinic in Pelotas, Brazil, and found that about 30% of them had at least one of these bacteria in their blood. The most common one was 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum,' found in 20% of the cats, while 'Mycoplasma haemofelis' was found in about 9%. Cats that spent time outside, had parasites, or were already sick with other diseases were more likely to be infected. The study highlights the importance of keeping cats healthy and safe from outdoor risks to reduce the chance of these infections.
Abstract
Hemotropic mycoplasmas are small, pleomorphic, gram-negative, epierithrocytic bacteria that infect a wide variety of animals, including domestic cats. These microorganisms cause the disease known as feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis (MHF), also called feline infectious anemia. The objective of the study was to use PCR assays based on amplification of 16S rDNA to detect the species Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (CMhm) in felines treated at a clinic specialized exclusively in cats in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Furthermore, the research aimed to identify potential risk factors associated with the infection. A total of 253 blood samples from domestic felines were analyzed, of which 76 samples (30%) were positive for at least one species. The most detected hemoplasma was CMhm, with 51/253 (20.1%), followed by Mhf, with 23/253 (9.1%). Mhf and CMhm co-infection was detected in 2/253 (0.8%) samples. Felines with access to the street, presence of ectoparasites, co-infection with FeLV, FIV and other diseases (unhealthy animals) were more likely to be infected by hemoplasmas.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40549335/