Prevalence and Risk Factor Analysis of Feline Blood-Borne Pathogens in Bangkok and Vicinities, Thailand

Feline blood-borne pathogens are important infectious agents of cats that can cause subclinical to severe disease. Awareness of the risks associated with transfusing contaminated blood can reduce morbidity in recipients. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of these infections is crucial for identifying pathogens that should be screened in feline blood donors. A total of 410 blood samples from client-owned cats were collected between 2018 and 2021 across veterinary hospitals in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. Conventional PCR was used to detect hemotropic mycoplasmas, Bartonella spp., Anaplasmataceae, and piroplasms. Overall, 20.5% of samples were tested positive for at least one pathogen. Hemotropic mycoplasmas were the most detected agents (16.3%), with "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" being predominant, followed by Mycoplasma haemofelis. DNA of Bartonella spp. was identified in 5.4% of samples, specifically Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae. No samples tested positive for Anaplasmataceae or piroplasms. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that male sex, Domestic Shorthair breed, anemia, clinical illness, and increasing age were significant risk factors for hemotropic mycoplasma infection, but kittens were less likely to be infected. Additionally, infection with feline immunodeficiency virus was associated with a higher likelihood of hemotropic mycoplasma positivity in samples collected during 2020-2021. No significant risk factors were identified for Bartonella spp. infection. In conclusion, the findings underscore the necessity of screening feline blood donors for hemotropic mycoplasma and Bartonella spp. Clinically healthy, female, purebred cats without outdoor access cats are recommended as preferred blood donor candidates, given their lower risk of hemotropic mycoplasma infection.