Retrospective prevalence and associated risk factors of Mycoplasma haemofelis infection in owned cats
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Published on: March 29, 2020
A R Yasmin1, T L Peng1, I O Abdul-Azeez2,3
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, City Campus, Pengkalan Chepa, 16100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Data on the prevalence and associated risk factors of naturally occurring haemoplasmosis in owned cats in Malaysia is limited. Being the most pathogenic of the three known feline haemoplasma species, Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) infection was analysed from 2016 to 2019 to determine the periodical prevalence and associated risk factors in Northeastern Malaysia - Kelantan. Archived patient data of 77 clinically ill cats suspected of having M. haemofelis infection were reviewed in this study. Out of the 77 suspected cases, 53 (68.8%) were clinically diagnosed with haemoplasmosis amongst which 46 (59.7%) of the subpopulation were further confirmed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Risk factors for M. haemofelis infection (age, breed, ectoparasitism, household condition, roaming status, and sex) were analysed. There was no significant association of breed, ectoparasitism, household condition (number of cats) and occurrence of clinical signs with feline mycoplasmosis. Young, male and roamer cats were more likely to be diagnosed of mycoplasmosis than other categories of cats in this study. There was also a significant association between cats infected with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' with M. haemofelis. Thus, the coinfection of these two haemoplasma species is not uncommon. This study indicates that infection by M. haemofelis in anaemic cats is a common find in client-owned cats from Northeastern Malaysia. As the natural mode of transmission of haemoplasma infection remain unestablished, information in this study may highlight the importance of this disease and contribute to effective prevention and control strategies to minimize feline infectious anaemia (FIA) caused by M. haemofelis.
Insights
Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) infection is common in anaemic cats in Malaysia. Young, male, and roaming cats are more susceptible to this haemoplasmosis, often co-infecting with
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Feline Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Haemoplasmosis, caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), is a significant feline pathogen.
- Limited data exists on Mhf prevalence and risk factors in owned cats in Malaysia.
- Feline infectious anaemia (FIA) is a concern, necessitating further research into Mhf.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and risk factors of Mycoplasma haemofelis infection in cats in Kelantan, Malaysia.
- To investigate the association of various factors (age, breed, ectoparasitism, etc.) with Mhf infection.
- To explore coinfections with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and Mhf.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of archived patient data from 77 clinically ill cats suspected of Mhf infection (2016-2019).
- Clinical diagnosis of haemoplasmosis and confirmation using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Statistical analysis of risk factors including age, breed, sex, ectoparasitism, household condition, and roaming status.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of haemoplasmosis (68.8%) and PCR-confirmed Mhf infection (59.7%) was observed.
- Young, male, and roaming cats showed a higher likelihood of Mhf diagnosis.
- No significant association was found between Mhf and breed, ectoparasitism, or household conditions.
- A significant association between Mhf and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' coinfection was identified.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma haemofelis infection is prevalent in anaemic, client-owned cats in Northeastern Malaysia.
- Young male roamers are at higher risk, and coinfection with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' is common.
- Further research into transmission is needed for effective prevention and control of feline infectious anaemia.
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