Haemotropic Mycoplasma species in cat blood samples by PCR

Haemotropic mycoplasmas can cause severe anaemia in pets and also have zoonotic potential. The determination of these microorganisms from clinical samples is of critical importance. In this study, the presence of Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm), and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt) in blood samples collected from 62 cats was investigated. Haemotropic mycoplasmas were identified by PCR amplifying the 16S rRNA gene, and sequence analysis was applied for confirmation and differentiation of the species. Six (9.67%) blood samples were positive for haemotropic mycoplasmas. CMhm and CMt were identified in five (8.06%) samples and one (1.61%) sample, respectively. Mhf was not detected in the samples. Additionally, a co-infection was not observed in any of the cats. It was found that the PCR positivity was not related to the sex or clinical status of the cats. To our knowledge, this is the first report investigating haemotropic mycoplasmas in blood samples from cats in Siirt Province of Türkiye. It is suggested that the data obtained from this study will contribute to clinicians working on pet animal health in this province.