Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Molecular detection and prevalence of feline hemotropic mycoplasmas in Istanbul, Turkey.
- Journal:
- Acta parasitologica
- Year:
- 2016
- Authors:
- Cetinkaya, Handan et al.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This study looked at the presence of certain types of bacteria in the blood of domestic cats in Istanbul, Turkey. Researchers tested 384 blood samples and found that about 19% of the cats had one of the bacteria called Mycoplasma, with the most common being Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum. Some cats had more than one type of bacteria at the same time, and this was the first time one of these types was reported in Turkey. The findings suggest that these bacteria are quite common in cats in Istanbul, and using a specific test called PCR is better for diagnosing these infections than looking at samples under a microscope. Overall, the study indicates a high prevalence of these bacteria in the local cat population.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate Mycoplasma spp. species in blood samples of the domestic cats from the province of Istanbul, Turkey. Three hundred eighty four blood samples of client-owned cats were used for the identification of Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm) and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt) by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) assays. Out of 384 blood samples, 74 (19.3%) were positive for one of Mycoplasma species. The total prevalence of Mhf, CMhm and CMt infections was 9.9%, 17.7% and 0.8% respectively. The most common species was CMhm. Co-infections were mostly with Mhf/CMhm and the frequency was 8.1%. Two cats were infected with three species. The current study was the first molecular prevalence study of hemotropic mycoplasmas in Istanbul, reporting the presence of CMt for the first time in Turkey. Prevalence of feline mycoplasma was notably high in Istanbul and PCR assay could be preferred rather than the microscopic examination for the diagnosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26751888/