Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hemoplasma infections in US cats with anemia or hemoplasmosis
By Sykes, Jane E et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2008·Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalences of various hemoplasma species among cats in the United States with possible hemoplasmosis.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study found that about 23% of cats in the U.S. tested positive for a type of blood infection called hemoplasmosis, which can lead to anemia. The infection was more common in male cats and was linked to other health issues like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Cats infected with one specific type of hemoplasma (Mycoplasma haemofelis) showed more severe symptoms, including higher levels of certain blood cells. Treatment options may vary depending on the specific type of hemoplasma and the cat's overall health, so it's important to consult your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has this infection.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalences of various hemoplasma species among cats in the United States with possible hemoplasmosis and identify risk factors for and clinicopathologic abnormalities associated with infection with each species. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. Animals-310 cats with cytologic evidence of hemoplasmosis (n = 9) or acute or regenerative anemia (309). PROCEDURES: Blood samples were tested by means of a broad-spectrum conventional PCR assay for hemoplasma DNA and by means of 3 separate species-specific real-time PCR assays for DNA from "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" (Mhm), Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), and "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" (Mtc). RESULTS: Overall prevalences of Mhm, Mhf, and Mtc infection were 23.2% (72/310), 4.8% (15/310), and 6.5% (20/310), respectively. Mixed infections were detected in 20 (6.5%) cats. Cats infected with hemoplasmas were more likely to be male than were uninfected cats. Infection with FeLV or FIV was significantly associated with infection with Mhf. Compared with uninfected cats, cats infected with Mhf had higher reticulocyte counts, nucleated RBC counts, and mean corpuscular volume; cats infected with Mhm had higher mean corpuscular volume; and cats infected with Mtc had higher monocyte counts. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results supported the suggestion that these 3 hemoplasma species commonly occur among cats in the United States and that pathogenicity of the 3 species varies.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18241101/