Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hemotropic mycoplasma infection causing anemia in Iranian cats
By Ghazisaeedi, Fereshteh et al.·Published in Veterinary clinical pathology·2014·Department of Clinical Pathology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A molecular study of hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in cats in Iran.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of Iranian Shorthair cats were tested for hemoplasma infections, which can cause anemia. Out of 100 cats, 22 were found to be positive for these infections, with the most common type being Mycoplasma haemofelis. Male cats and those older than 8 years were more likely to be infected. The study also noted that cats with these infections had lower red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels. Treatment options weren't specified, but recognizing the symptoms of anemia is crucial for timely veterinary care.
People also search for: cat anemia symptoms · hemoplasma infection in cats · older cat blood tests · male cat health issues
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Three feline hemoplasma species are recognized: Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. These species can cause anemia in cats and have a worldwide distribution. OBJECTIVES: There was no previous information on hemotropic mycoplasma spp in cats in Iran and the Middle East. Accordingly, we investigated the molecular presence, and clinical signs and hematological profile in cats infected with these microorganisms in Iranian cats. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and cytology were performed on 100 blood samples collected from Iranian Shorthair cats. ACBC and case history were also collected for each sample. RESULTS: By PCR, 22 (22%; 14-30%, 95% CI) samples were positive. The prevalence of M haemofelis, 'Ca M haemominutum', and 'Ca M turicensis' was 63.63% (14/22), 54.54% (12/22), and 18.18% (4/22), respectively. Some double and triple co-infections were also found. Using PCR as the reference method, cytology had poor sensitivity (27%) and reasonable specificity (89.74%). Male cats were at a higher risk of infection (P = .001). Cats older than 8 years were more frequently infected than the younger cats (P = .0018). Lower HCT (P = .018), RBC count (P = .028) and HGB concentration (P = .003) were also associated with hemoplasma PCR-positive status. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, the most prevalent feline hemoplasma species in Iranian cats was M haemofelis, but double and triple co-infections are also documented. Age and sex, as well as reduced RBC parameters, were predisposing factors for hemoplasma infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24948469/