Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
New molecular insights into feline infectious anemia bacteria
By Willi, Barbara et al.·Published in Veterinary microbiology·2007·Vetsuisse Faculty·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: From Haemobartonella to hemoplasma: molecular methods provide new insights.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat was found to have a type of infectious anemia caused by hemoplasmas, which are tiny bacteria that affect the blood. Researchers have identified three different types of these bacteria in cats, including a newly discovered one. The study showed that these infections can be spread through bites or possibly by other means, and that different types of hemoplasmas respond differently to antibiotics. Understanding these infections better can help veterinarians treat affected cats more effectively.
People also search for: cat anemia symptoms · hemoplasma treatment in cats · why is my cat lethargic and not eating
Abstract
Hemotropic mycoplasmas (aka hemoplasmas) are the causative agents of infectious anemia in numerous mammalian species. Originally known as Haemobartonella and Eperythrozoon species, these organisms have been reclassified within the genus Mycoplasma. The development of new molecular assays has expanded our knowledge of this heterogeneous group of agents and allowed us to study their epidemiology and pathogenesis. The present review summarizes recently gained insights into feline hemotropic mycoplasmas, formerly known as Haemobartonella felis. Besides the two initially identified feline hemoplasma species, Mycoplasma haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, we discovered a third novel hemoplasma in a Swiss pet cat; preliminary results suggest that the pathogenic potential of the latter agent depends on cofactors. In applying PCR-based assays, feline hemoplasma infections have been documented in domestic cats and wild felids worldwide. Differences between the three hemoplasmas in regard to response to antibiotic treatment and establishment of a carrier status have been reported. Additionally, besides an ostensible vector-borne transmission, direct transmission by aggressive interaction of cats or interspecies transmission might play a role in the epidemiology of these organisms. Based on a potential vector-borne and interspecies transmission, a zoonotic potential of hemoplasmas should be further investigated.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17706380/