Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of feline hemoplasmas in domestic cats in Iran
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2026
Two Methods of Heterokaryon Formation to Discover HCV Restriction Factors
Published on: July 16, 2012
Fereshteh Ghazisaeedi1, Nahid Atyabi1, Taghi Zahraei Salehi2
1Department of Veterinary Internal Diseases.
Abstract:
Three known feline hemoplasmas are Mycoplsama haemofelis, 'CandidatusMycoplasma haemominutum' and 'CandidatusMycoplasma turicensis'. They are described as cause of feline infectious anemia in domestic and wild felids. Other blood parasites or blood-related pathogens like concurrent retroviral infections may deteriorate the clinical condition and severity of anemia. The aims of this study were molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of hemoplasmas in domestic cats in Iran for the first time. Blood samples were collected from 185 healthy and diseased domestic cats. Blood smears were prepared and hematological parameters were measured to determine possible anemia. Using 16S rRNA gene universal and species specific polymerase chain reactions with the following sequencing, 47 (25.40%) of cats were hemoplasma positive. Also, 17.02%, 72.50% and 40.40% of total positive samples were M.haemofelis, 'Ca. M. haemominutum' and 'Ca. M. turicensis' infected, respectively. 10 (21.20%) of hemoplasma positive cats had anemic blood profiles (HCT < 24.00%). All M. haemofelis infected cases were included. Partial 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis revealed a high identity between the hemoplasma species found in this study and domestic cat sequences existing in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 94.00% to 100% sequence identity between sequences of this study and existing sequences in Genbank. All hemoplasma isolates in this study were grouped within a single clade and additionally subdivided into two groups; haemofelis group including M.haemofelis and 'Ca. M. turicensis' and haemominutum group including 'Ca. M. haemominutum'.
Insights
This study molecularly characterized feline hemoplasmas in Iran, finding Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed their close relation to existing global strains.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Parasitology
Background:
- Feline hemotropic mycoplasmas, including Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, are known causes of feline infectious anemia.
- Concurrent infections with other pathogens, such as retroviruses, can exacerbate anemia severity in cats.
- Limited molecular data exists on feline hemoplasmas in Iran, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform the first molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of feline hemoplasmas in domestic cats in Iran.
- To identify the prevalence of different hemoplasma species in the Iranian cat population.
- To analyze the genetic relatedness of Iranian hemoplasma isolates to global strains.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 185 domestic cats (healthy and diseased).
- Hematological parameters were assessed to identify anemia.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using 16S rRNA gene primers, followed by sequencing, was employed for hemoplasma detection and identification.
- Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using partial 16S rRNA gene sequences.
Main Results:
- A total of 47 out of 185 cats (25.40%) tested positive for hemoplasmas.
- The prevalence rates for Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis were 17.02%, 72.50%, and 40.40% of positive samples, respectively.
- Ten hemoplasma-positive cats (21.20%) exhibited anemic blood profiles (HCT < 24.00%).
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed high sequence identity (94.00%–100%) between Iranian isolates and GenBank sequences, grouping them into haemofelis and haemominutum clades.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first molecular evidence and phylogenetic insights into feline hemoplasmas circulating in Iran.
- The identified hemoplasma species are genetically similar to those found globally.
- Further research is warranted to understand the clinical impact and transmission dynamics of these hemotropic mycoplasmas in Iranian cats.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
01:28Toxoplasmosis