Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mycoplasma infections causing anemia in pet cats in Latvia
By Berzina, Inese et al.·Published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports·2021·Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Jelgava, Latvia·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Haemotropic Mycoplasma species in pet cats in Latvia: a study, phylogenetic analysis and clinical case report
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old domestic shorthair cat in Latvia was diagnosed with feline infectious anemia, a condition caused by a type of bacteria called Mycoplasma. The cat showed signs of anemia, which can include weakness and lethargy. Blood tests revealed the presence of Mycoplasma species, specifically 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Mycoplasma haemofelis'. Treatment typically involves supportive care and possibly antibiotics, and in this case, the cat was monitored closely for recovery. This case highlights the importance of testing for these infections in cats, especially in regions where they are less commonly reported.
People also search for: cat anemia symptoms · feline infectious anemia treatment · Mycoplasma in cats
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate whether haemotropic Mycoplasma species are detected in pet cats in Latvia, to perform a phylogenetic analysis of the detected pathogens and to report a clinical case of feline infectious anaemia. Methods Peripheral blood samples (n = 125) from pet cats were submitted; 99 samples were adequate to test for the presence of Mycoplasma species DNA by nested PCR. A clinical case was added in the later stages of the study. Positive isolates were subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results The prevalence of ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ was 15% (n = 15/99), that of Mycoplasma haemofelis was 5% (5/99) and that of ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ was 2% (n = 2/99). Cases of coinfection included ‘ Candidatus M haemominutum’ + M haemofelis (4%; n = 4/99) and ‘ Candidatus M haemominutum’ + ‘ Candidatus M turicensis’ (1%; n = 1/99). This is the first published report of M haemofelis infection in the Baltic states. Two different ‘ Candidatus M turicensis’ isolates were discovered after phylogenetic analysis. Conclusions and relevance This report is the first of an autochthonous feline infectious anaemia case in the Baltic region. The prevalence of Mycoplasma species was similar to that in other northern European countries. Phylogenetic analysis revealed variability of the isolates; one of the ‘ Candidatus M turicensis’ genotypes was detected for the first time in Europe.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1177/20551169211028088