Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Phenotypic Analysis and Isolation of Murine Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Lineage-committed Progenitors
Published on: July 8, 2012
Identification, molecular characterization, and experimental transmission of a new hemoplasma isolate from a cat with
Barbara Willi1, Felicitas S Boretti, Valentino Cattori
1Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Recently, there has been a growing interest in hemotropic mycoplasmal species (also known as the hemoplasmas), the causative agents of infectious anemia in several mammalian species. In felids, two different hemoplasma species have been recognized: Mycoplasma haemofelis (formerly Haemobartonella felis) and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum." Recently developed molecular methods have allowed sensitive and specific identification and quantification of these agents in feline blood samples. In applying these methods to an epidemiological study surveying the Swiss pet cat population for hemoplasma infection, we discovered a third novel and unique feline hemoplasma isolate in a blood sample collected from a cat that had exhibited clinical signs of severe hemolytic anemia. This agent was readily transmitted via intravenous inoculation to two specific-pathogen-free cats. One of these cats was immunocompromised by the administration of methylprednisolone acetate prior to inoculation, and this cat developed severe anemia. The other immunocompetent cat showed a moderate decrease in packed cell volume. Additionally, an increase in red blood cell osmotic fragility was observed. Sequencing of the entire 16S rRNA gene of the new hemoplasma isolate and phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolate was most closely related to two rodent hemotropic mycoplasmal species, M. coccoides and M. haemomuris. A quantitative real-time PCR assay specific for this newly discovered agent was developed, which will be a prerequisite for the diagnosis of infections with the new hemoplasma isolate.
Insights
Researchers discovered a new hemotropic mycoplasma species in cats causing anemia. This novel feline hemoplasma isolate was identified through molecular methods and successfully transmitted to laboratory cats, aiding in disease understanding.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are known causes of anemia in mammals.
- Two hemoplasma species, Mycoplasma haemofelis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum," are recognized in cats.
- Advances in molecular techniques enable sensitive detection and quantification of hemoplasmas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel hemoplasma species in feline populations.
- To characterize a newly discovered feline hemoplasma isolate.
- To develop diagnostic tools for the new agent.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological study using molecular methods for hemoplasma detection in Swiss pet cats.
- Isolation and intravenous inoculation of the novel hemoplasma agent into specific-pathogen-free cats.
- Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and phylogenetic analysis.
- Development of a quantitative real-time PCR assay.
Main Results:
- A third novel and unique feline hemoplasma isolate was discovered in a cat with severe hemolytic anemia.
- The isolate was transmissible to SPF cats, inducing anemia (severe in immunocompromised, moderate in immunocompetent).
- Increased red blood cell osmotic fragility was observed.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed the isolate is most closely related to rodent hemotropic mycoplasmas.
Conclusions:
- A new feline hemoplasma species has been identified.
- This agent can cause anemia and affect red blood cell integrity in cats.
- A specific qPCR assay is crucial for diagnosing infections with this new hemoplasma isolate.
