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Published on: December 3, 2011
Molecular Investigation and Characterization of Mycoplasma spp. infections in Naturally Infected Cats in Thailand
Kiattisak Pimpjong1, Kanokwan Ratyotha1, Thanvarat Rungruang1
1Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 44000, Thailand.
Purpose:
Mycoplasma spp. are hemotropic parasites that attach to the surface of red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia in infected cats. These pathogens can result in significant clinical consequences, including death if left untreated. Despite their importance, molecular studies on Mycoplasma infections in Thailand remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Mycoplasma spp. infections in cats, identify specific species involved, and assess hematologic changes in infected cats. Additionally, phylogenetic relationships of Mycoplasma species were analyzed.
Methods:
A total of 149 blood samples were collected from cats visiting veterinary hospitals in four provinces of Thailand including Samut Prakan, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, and Maha Sarakham for routine check-ups, vaccinations, or illness, without specific signs of infection. PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene was used to detect Mycoplasma spp., followed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis for species identification.
Results:
The overall prevalence of Mycoplasma spp. infection was 17.45% (95% CI: 11.73-24.51), comprising Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm) (14.09%), Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) (2.01%), and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt) (1.34%). Sequencing of 26 positive PCR products identified CMhm in 21 samples, Mhf in 3 samples, and CMt in 2 samples, revealing seven distinct haplotypes. All Mycoplasma species identified in this study showed 99-100% nucleotide similarity with those available in the GenBank database. Hematologic analysis revealed no significant changes in most parameters, except for a statistically significant decrease in platelet count (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
This study provides information on the molecular epidemiology and genetic identification of Mycoplasma spp., contributing to a better understanding of hemoplasma infections in Thai cats, which will aid in the control of these microorganisms.
Insights
Mycoplasma spp. infections are prevalent in Thai cats, with Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum being the most common species. Molecular analysis identified specific species and revealed a significant decrease in platelet count in infected cats.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Feline Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycoplasma spp. are hemotropic parasites causing hemolytic anemia in cats.
- Limited molecular data exists on Mycoplasma infections in Thailand.
- These infections can lead to severe clinical outcomes, including mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the prevalence of Mycoplasma spp. in cats in Thailand.
- Identify specific Mycoplasma species infecting cats.
- Analyze hematologic changes and phylogenetic relationships.
Main Methods:
- Collected 149 blood samples from cats across four Thai provinces.
- Utilized PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene for Mycoplasma detection.
- Performed DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis for species identification.
Main Results:
- Overall Mycoplasma spp. prevalence was 17.45%.
- Identified Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (14.09%), Mycoplasma haemofelis (2.01%), and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (1.34%).
- Found a significant decrease in platelet count (P < 0.01) in infected cats.
Conclusions:
- Provides molecular epidemiological data on Mycoplasma spp. in Thai cats.
- Contributes to understanding hemoplasma infections for improved control strategies.
- Highlights the need for continued surveillance and research.
