Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026
A Fluorogenic Peptide Cleavage Assay to Screen for Proteolytic Activity: Applications for coronavirus spike protein activation
Published on: January 9, 2019
A molecular study of hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in cats in Iran
Fereshteh Ghazisaeedi1, Nahid Atyabi, Taghi Zahrai Salehi
1Department of Clinical Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Three feline hemoplasma species are recognized: Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. These species can cause anemia in cats and have a worldwide distribution.
Objectives:
There was no previous information on hemotropic mycoplasma spp in cats in Iran and the Middle East. Accordingly, we investigated the molecular presence, and clinical signs and hematological profile in cats infected with these microorganisms in Iranian cats.
Methods:
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and cytology were performed on 100 blood samples collected from Iranian Shorthair cats. ACBC and case history were also collected for each sample.
Results:
By PCR, 22 (22%; 14-30%, 95% CI) samples were positive. The prevalence of M haemofelis, 'Ca M haemominutum', and 'Ca M turicensis' was 63.63% (14/22), 54.54% (12/22), and 18.18% (4/22), respectively. Some double and triple co-infections were also found. Using PCR as the reference method, cytology had poor sensitivity (27%) and reasonable specificity (89.74%). Male cats were at a higher risk of infection (P = .001). Cats older than 8 years were more frequently infected than the younger cats (P = .0018). Lower HCT (P = .018), RBC count (P = .028) and HGB concentration (P = .003) were also associated with hemoplasma PCR-positive status.
Conclusions:
Based on this study, the most prevalent feline hemoplasma species in Iranian cats was M haemofelis, but double and triple co-infections are also documented. Age and sex, as well as reduced RBC parameters, were predisposing factors for hemoplasma infection.
Insights
This study identified Mycoplasma haemofelis as the most common feline hemoplasma in Iran. Male cats and older cats were more susceptible to infection, which was linked to lower red blood cell counts.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Feline Health
Background:
- Feline hemoplasma species, including Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis', are known to cause anemia in cats globally.
- No prior data existed on hemotropic mycoplasma prevalence in cats within Iran or the broader Middle East region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the molecular prevalence of feline hemotropic mycoplasma species in Iranian cats.
- To investigate the clinical signs and hematological profiles associated with hemoplasma infections in this population.
- To establish baseline data for feline hemoplasma in a previously unstudied region.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were conducted on 100 blood samples from Iranian Shorthair cats.
- Cytology was performed on blood samples to compare diagnostic methods.
- Case history and complete blood count (CBC) data were collected for each cat.
Main Results:
- PCR detected hemotropic mycoplasma DNA in 22% of samples.
- Mycoplasma haemofelis was the most prevalent species (63.63%), followed by 'Ca. M. haemominutum' (54.54%) and 'Ca. M. turicensis' (18.18%).
- Co-infections with multiple hemoplasma species were observed. Male and older cats (>8 years) showed a higher risk of infection. PCR-positive cats exhibited lower hematocrit, RBC count, and hemoglobin concentration.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma haemofelis is the predominant feline hemoplasma species in Iran, with co-infections also occurring.
- Advanced age and male sex are identified as risk factors for feline hemoplasma infection.
- Reduced red blood cell parameters are associated with hemoplasma infection in cats, highlighting potential anemia.
More Related Videos
08:48Identification of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Paraffin-Embedded Feline Arterial Thrombi using Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Published on: March 29, 2020
06:04Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
