Molecular Diagnosis of Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ in Domestic Feline: A Case Report

Alexsander Ferraz *

Department of Preventive Veterinary, Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil.

Eugênia Tavares Barwaldt

Department of Veterinary Clinics, Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil.

Renata Fontes Ongaratto

Department of Preventive Veterinary, Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil.

Eduarda Santos Bierhals

Department of Veterinary Clinics, Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil.

Camila Moura de Lima

Department of Veterinary Clinics, Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil.

Paola Renata Joanol Dallmann

Department of Preventive Veterinary, Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil.

Tiago Felipe Barbosa Moreira

Department of Preventive Veterinary, Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil.

Rodrigo Leite dos Santos

Department of Preventive Veterinary, Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil.

Rodrigo Casquero Cunha

Department of Preventive Veterinary, Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil.

Luiz Filipe Damé Schuch

Department of Preventive Veterinary, Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil.

Márcia de Oliveira Nobre

Department of Veterinary Clinics, Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil.

Leandro Quintana Nizoli

Department of Preventive Veterinary, Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

The aim of this work was to report the molecular diagnosis of Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in a domestic feline. Mycoplasma spp. are pleomorphic bacteria that parasitize the surface of red blood cells in several domestic species, mainly cats, being responsible for feline mycoplasmosis, which can cause hemolytic anemia. Cats can become infected through blood transfusions, social interactions via fights and flea bites. In this report, the patient exhibited in the clinical exam, pale and icteric mucous membranes, and enlargement of the popliteal and submandibular lymph nodes. Based on the symptoms presented, a blood sample was collected to search for hemoparasites using blood smears and also molecular examination by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The blood smear revealed inclusions characteristic of Mycoplasma spp. Observed in red blood cells, and the diagnosis of mycoplasmosis was confirmed by PCR. This report highlights the importance of screening for hemoparasites in the feline clinical routine, with molecular tests being the most recommended due to their high sensitivity and specificity.

Keywords: Cats, hemotropic mycoplasma, PCR


How to Cite

Ferraz, Alexsander, Eugênia Tavares Barwaldt, Renata Fontes Ongaratto, Eduarda Santos Bierhals, Camila Moura de Lima, Paola Renata Joanol Dallmann, Tiago Felipe Barbosa Moreira, Rodrigo Leite dos Santos, Rodrigo Casquero Cunha, Luiz Filipe Damé Schuch, Márcia de Oliveira Nobre, and Leandro Quintana Nizoli. 2024. “Molecular Diagnosis of Mycoplasma Haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ in Domestic Feline: A Case Report”. Advances in Research 25 (4):372-78. https://doi.org/10.9734/air/2024/v25i41115.