Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mycoplasma infections and risk factors in domestic cats in Pelotas
By Dallmann, Paola Renata Joanol et al.·Published in Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]·2025·Faculdade de Veteriná, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in domestic cats from Pelotas, RS: molecular detection and risk factors.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study found that 30% of domestic cats tested positive for hemotropic mycoplasmas, which can cause feline infectious anemia. The most common type detected was 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', followed by Mycoplasma haemofelis. Cats that spent time outdoors, had parasites, or were already sick with other infections like FeLV or FIV were more likely to be affected. If you notice symptoms like lethargy, pale gums, or weakness in your cat, it’s important to talk to your vet about testing for these infections and potential treatments.
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Abstract
Hemotropic mycoplasmas are small, pleomorphic, gram-negative, epierithrocytic bacteria that infect a wide variety of animals, including domestic cats. These microorganisms cause the disease known as feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis (MHF), also called feline infectious anemia. The objective of the study was to use PCR assays based on amplification of 16S rDNA to detect the species Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (CMhm) in felines treated at a clinic specialized exclusively in cats in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Furthermore, the research aimed to identify potential risk factors associated with the infection. A total of 253 blood samples from domestic felines were analyzed, of which 76 samples (30%) were positive for at least one species. The most detected hemoplasma was CMhm, with 51/253 (20.1%), followed by Mhf, with 23/253 (9.1%). Mhf and CMhm co-infection was detected in 2/253 (0.8%) samples. Felines with access to the street, presence of ectoparasites, co-infection with FeLV, FIV and other diseases (unhealthy animals) were more likely to be infected by hemoplasmas.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40549335/