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Molecular identification of `Candidatus Mycoplasma haemovis' in sheep with hemolytic anemia
Jin Suzuki1, Fumina Sasaoka, Masatoshi Fujihara
1Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka 020–8550, Japan.
Abstract:
We examined the presence of hemoplasmas, hemotropic mycoplasmas, among 11 sheep (Ovis aries) with regenerative and hemolytic anemia and found six of them were positive by real-time PCR. The positive samples were then subjected to conventional PCR for direct sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Nucleotide sequences of all the positive samples were identified as the 16S rRNA gene of `Candidatus Mycoplasma haemovis' by phylogenetic analysis, demonstrating the infections with this particular hemoplasma species in Japan.
Insights
Researchers identified `Candidatus Mycoplasma haemovis
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Hemotropic mycoplasmas, known as hemoplasmas, are emerging pathogens affecting various animal species.
- Sheep (Ovis aries) can suffer from regenerative and hemolytic anemia, with potential infectious etiologies.
- Understanding the prevalence and identification of specific hemoplasma species is crucial for animal health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and identify the specific species of hemoplasmas in sheep exhibiting regenerative and hemolytic anemia.
- To determine if `Candidatus Mycoplasma haemovis' is a causative agent of anemia in Japanese sheep.
Main Methods:
- Real-time PCR was employed to screen 11 sheep with anemia for hemoplasma DNA.
- Conventional PCR and direct sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene were performed on positive samples.
- Phylogenetic analysis was utilized to identify the specific hemoplasma species based on sequence data.
Main Results:
- Six out of eleven sheep (54.5%) tested positive for hemoplasmas.
- Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed the presence of `Candidatus Mycoplasma haemovis' in all positive samples.
- This study provides the first molecular evidence of `Candidatus Mycoplasma haemovis' infection in sheep in Japan.
Conclusions:
- `Candidatus Mycoplasma haemovis' is present in sheep in Japan and is associated with regenerative and hemolytic anemia.
- Molecular diagnostic methods, including PCR and gene sequencing, are effective for identifying hemoplasma infections.
- Further research is warranted to understand the transmission dynamics and clinical significance of this pathogen in sheep populations.
