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Diagnosis of feline haemoplasma infection using a real-time PCR assay
1Bryanston Veterinary Hospital, PO Box 67092, Bryanston, South Africa 2021. rlobetti@mweb.co.za
Abstract:
Haemobartonella felis has been reclassified within the genus Mycoplasma as Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', collectively referred to as the feline haemoplasmas. A total of 78 cats from the Johannesburg area that had blood samples submitted to a private veterinary laboratory were tested using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay able to detect and distinguish the two feline haemoplasma (basonym Haemobartonella) species. All samples had been diagnosed with haemoplasma infection by cytological examination of blood smears. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate associations between haemoplasma status, age, and haematological and biochemical parameters. On PCR assay 43 cats (55%) were haemoplasma negative, 25 (32.1%) positive for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', 5 (6.4%) positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis and 5 (6.4%) positive for both species. Significant inverse correlation was found between the amount of M. haemofelis DNA present in the blood and the haematocrit value. Cats that were positive for M. haemofelis showed macrocytic regenerative anaemia, monocytosis and thrombocytopaenia. This report documents the existence of both haemoplasma species in cats in South Africa.
Insights
Feline haemoplasmas, Mycoplasma haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, were detected in South African cats. Mycoplasma haemofelis infection correlated with anemia, indicating its pathogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Haemobartonella felis, now Mycoplasma haemofelis, and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' are known feline haemoplasmas.
- Cytological examination previously diagnosed haemoplasma infections in cats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and differentiate Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in cats from Johannesburg using real-time PCR.
- To investigate associations between feline haemoplasma status and haematological/biochemical parameters.
Main Methods:
- Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay used on 78 feline blood samples.
- Statistical analysis to assess correlations between haemoplasma status, age, and clinical parameters.
Main Results:
- 55% of cats were negative for haemoplasmas.
- 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' detected in 32.1% of cats.
- Mycoplasma haemofelis detected in 6.4%, and both species in 6.4% of cats.
- Significant inverse correlation between M. haemofelis DNA load and haematocrit.
- M. haemofelis positive cats exhibited macrocytic regenerative anaemia, monocytosis, and thrombocytopaenia.
Conclusions:
- This study confirms the presence of both Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in cats in South Africa.
- Mycoplasma haemofelis infection is associated with specific haematological changes, suggesting pathogenicity.
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