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