Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Haemoplasmosis in cats: European guidelines from the ABCD on prevention and management.
- Journal:
- Journal of feline medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2018
- Authors:
- Tasker, Séverine et al.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Haemoplasmosis is an infection caused by certain bacteria that can lead to anemia in cats. The most harmful type for cats is called Mycoplasma haemofelis, while two others, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, are less dangerous but can still cause illness, especially in cats with weakened immune systems. Male, mixed-breed cats that go outside are at a higher risk of getting infected, and older cats are more likely to carry the less harmful types without showing any signs of illness. Diagnosing this infection is best done with a specific test called a PCR assay, and treatment typically involves a course of doxycycline for 2 to 4 weeks, which usually helps with the symptoms caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis, although it may not completely eliminate the infection.
Abstract
OVERVIEW: Haemoplasmas are haemotropic bacteria that can induce anaemia in a wide range of mammalian species. Infection in cats: Mycoplasma haemofelis is the most pathogenic of the three main feline haemoplasma species known to infect cats. ' Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and ' Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' are less pathogenic but can result in disease in immunocompromised cats. Male, non-pedigree cats with outdoor access are more likely to be haemoplasma infected, and ' Candidatus M haemominutum' is more common in older cats. All three haemoplasma species can be carried asymptomatically. Transmission: The natural mode of transmission of haemoplasma infection is not known, but aggressive interactions and vectors are possibilities. Transmission by blood transfusion can occur and all blood donors should be screened for haemoplasma infection. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: PCR assays are the preferred diagnostic method for haemoplasma infections. Treatment with doxycycline for 2-4 weeks is usually effective for M haemofelis-associated clinical disease (but this may not clear infection). Little information is currently available on the antibiotic responsiveness of ' Candidatus M haemominutum' and ' Candidatus M turicensis'.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29478400/