Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Blood changes in cats with hemoplasma infection in Rio de Janeiro
By Raimundo, Juliana Macedo et al.·Published in Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria·2016·Laborató, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hematological changes associated with hemoplasma infection in cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats in Rio de Janeiro showed signs of anemia and other blood issues due to a hemoplasma infection, which is caused by tiny bacteria in the blood. Out of 197 cats tested, about 11% had signs of these bacteria, with the most common type being Mycoplasma haemofelis. Male cats and adult cats were more likely to be infected, especially during the summer months. The main concern for these cats was anemia, which can lead to weakness and other health problems. Treatment options for hemoplasma infections typically include antibiotics, and addressing the anemia is crucial for recovery.
People also search for: cat anemia symptoms · hemoplasma infection treatment · male cat blood problems · Mycoplasma haemofelis in cats
Abstract
This study aimed to detect Mycoplasma spp. in naturally infected cats from Rio de Janeiro and to evaluate hematological abnormalities and factors associated with this infection. Out of the 197 cats sampled, 11.2% presented structures compatible with hemoplasma organisms on blood smears. In contrast, 22.8% were positive for Mycoplasma spp. by means of 16S rRNA gene real-time polymerase chain reaction, which reflects the weak concordance between techniques. The infection rates, by means of 16S rRNA gene conventional polymerase chain reaction, was 4.6%, 4.6% and 11.7% for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' (CMt) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (CMhm), respectively. Mhf and CMhm infections are more frequent in the summer (p>0.05). Presence of anemia (p < 0.02), lymphocytosis (p < 0.03), thrombocytopenia (p < 0.04) and activated monocytes (p < 0.04) was associated with Mhf infection. No hematological abnormality was associated with CMt or CMhm infection. Male cats were more prone to be infected by Mhf or CMhm (p < 0.01). Adult cats had more chance to be infected by CMhm. Three hemoplasma species occur in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro and Mhf seems to be the most pathogenic of them. Anemia is the most important hematological abnormality.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27982300/