Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Haemotropic mycoplasma infections in cats and dogs in Europe
By Willi, B et al.·Published in Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde·2010·Clinical Laboratory and Clinic for Small Animal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Haemotropic mycoplasmas of cats and dogs: transmission, diagnosis, prevalence and importance in Europe.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A cat with anemia was diagnosed with a blood infection caused by a type of bacteria called haemoplasmas. These infections can be serious, especially in cats, and are often spread through blood or bites from infected insects. Testing for these bacteria is done using a method called PCR, which helps identify the specific type of infection. Treatment typically involves antibiotics like Doxycycline, but it’s unclear if the infection can be completely cleared. Pet owners should be aware that these infections can occur in cats throughout Europe and in dogs, particularly in Mediterranean regions.
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Abstract
Haemotropic mycoplasmas (or haemoplasmas) are the causative agents of infectious anaemia in many mammalian species. They were previously known as Haemobartonella and Eperythrozoon species. The development of sensitive, specific PCR assays has expanded our knowledge of these agents and PCR is the method of choice to diagnose and differentiate haemoplasma infections. In felids, Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' have been described. They vary strongly in their pathogenic potential and co-factors may influence the disease severity. In dogs, Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' are known; clinical signs are mainly found in immunocompromised dogs. Transmission of haemoplasmas may occur via infected blood (aggressive interaction, transfusion) or blood-sucking arthropods. Infections can be treated with Doxycycline, although it is disputable whether the infection is completely eliminated. Feline haemoplasmas must be expected in cats all over Europe, while canine haemoplasmas are mainly encountered in dogs in Mediterranean countries but should also be considered in Swiss dogs with a travel history.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20464683/