Molecular Detection and Characterization of Mycoplasma spp. in Marine Mammals, Brazil.

Mycoplasma spp. are wall-less bacteria able to infect mammals and are classified as hemotropic (hemoplasma) and nonhemotropic. In aquatic mammals, hemoplasma have been reported in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and river dolphins (Inia spp.). We investigated Mycoplasma spp. in blood samples of West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus), pinnipeds (5 species), and marine cetaceans (18 species) that stranded or were undergoing rehabilitation in Brazil during 2002-2022. We detected Mycoplasma in blood of 18/130 (14.8%) cetaceans and 3/18 (16.6%) pinnipeds. All tested manatees were PCR-negative for Mycoplasma. Our findings indicate that >2 different hemoplasma species are circulating in cetaceans. The sequences from pinnipeds were similar to previously described sequences. We also detected a nonhemotropic Mycoplasma in 2 Franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) that might be associated with microscopic lesions. Because certain hemoplasmas can cause disease and death in immunosuppressed mammals, the bacteria could have conservation implications for already endangered aquatic mammals.

Molecular detection of feline hemoplasmas and retroviruses in free-roaming and shelter cats within a university campus.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of hemoplasma, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infections in cats living in an on-campus shelter and free-roaming cats within a university campus in Brazil. Methods: Blood samples were tested using quantitative PCR for hemoplasma, FIV and FeLV. Positive hemoplasma samples were sequenced. Associations between hemoplasma detection and living situation, sex, flea and/or tick parasitism, and coinfection with FIV and FeLV, were assessed using Fisher's exact test and the respective odds ratios were calculated. Results: Overall, 6/45 (13.3%) cats tested positive: four (8.9%) were infected with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and two (4.4%) with Mycoplasma haemofelis. All positive samples were from free-roaming cats (6/15; 40.0%) and had statistically significantly lower packed cell volumes (P = 0.037). Although 5/23 (21.7%) males and 1/22 (4.6%) females were positive, no statistically significant association between sex and hemoplasma infection was found (P = 0.19). Viral quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed on 43/45 samples, among which 2/43 (4.7%) were positive for FIV and none for FeLV. Only one cat (2.3%) was coinfected with hemoplasma and FIV (P = 0.26). In addition, 4/6 (66.7%) cats that tested positive for hemoplasmas were infested by fleas (P = 0.0014) and/or ticks (P = 0.25). Conclusions and relevance: These results show that even if the free-roaming cat population is clinically healthy and has adequate access to food, it may present flea infestation and hemoplasma infection with lower packed cell volume values.

Molecular Survey of Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. in Coatis (Nasua nasua) from Central-Western Brazil.

Even though previous works showed molecular evidence of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. (hemoplasmas) in ring-tailed coatis (Nasua nasua) from Brazil, Bartonella sp. has not been reported in these mammals so far. The present study aimed to detect the above-mentioned agents in coatis' blood and associated ectoparasites, assessing the association between these infections and red blood parameters. Between March 2018 and January 2019, coati (n = 97) blood samples, Amblyomma sp. ticks (2242 individual ticks, resulting in 265 pools), and Neotrichodectes pallidus louse (n = 59) were collected in forested urban areas from midwestern Brazil. DNA extracted from coatis' blood, and ectoparasite samples were submitted to quantitative PCR (qPCR) (16S rRNA) and conventional PCR (cPCR) (16S rRNA and 23S rRNA) for hemoplasmas and qPCR (nuoG gene) and culturing (only blood) for Bartonella spp. Two different hemoplasma genotypes were detected in blood samples: 71% coatis positive for myc1 and 17% positive for myc2. While 10% of ticks were positive for hemoplasmas (myc1), no louse was positive. The estimated bacterial load of hemoplasmas showed no association with anemia indicators. All coatis were negative for Bartonella sp. in qPCR assay and culturing, albeit two Amblyomma sp. larvae pools, and 2 A. dubitatum nymph pools were positive in the qPCR. The present work showed a high occurrence of hemoplasmas, with two distinct hemoplasma genotypes, in coatis from forested urban areas in midwestern Brazil.

First molecular detection of Mycoplasma ovis in horses from Brazil.

This study aimed to determine the occurrence of hemoplasmas and tick-borne pathogens (TBP) (Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and Ehrlichia sp.) in horses and ticks' salivary glands, and determine the factors associated with exposure/infection in a rural settlement in southern Brazil. Blood samples from 22 horses were screened for anti-T. equi and anti-Ehrlichia sp. antibodies by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) assays. Samples were also tested by PCR assays for T. equi and B. caballi (18S rRNA and rap-1 genes, respectively), hemoplasmas (16S rRNA gene), and Ehrlichia sp. (dsb gene). Ticks were removed from the animals (inspection) and the environment (flannel trawling and dry ice traps), and morphologically identified. Additionally, salivary glands DNA was extracted from 28 adult ticks infesting the animals and four nymphs from the environment, and further screened for Ehrlichia sp. and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. Anti-T. equi and anti-Ehrlichia sp. antibodies were detected in 40.91% (nine/22; 95% CI: 23.26-61.27) and 31.81% (seven/22; 95% CI: 16.36-52.68) horses, respectively. Theileria equi, B. caballi, and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. DNA was detected in 59.09% (13/22), 4.55% (one/22), and 50% (11/22) horses, respectively. All horses tested negative in the PCR for Ehrlichia sp. All sequences showed ≥99% identity with multiple T. equi, B. caballi, and Mycoplasma ovis sequences deposited in GenBank database. Adult ticks were identified as Dermacentor nitens (44/47; 93.62%) and Rhipicephalus microplus (three/47; 6.38%). Ticks' salivary glands were negative for Ehrlichia sp., while 39.29% from adults (11/28) and 50% from nymphs (two/four) from the environment were positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. This is the first report of M. ovis infection in horses from Brazil and the first detection of hemoplasma DNA in salivary glands of D. nitens and R. microplus ticks. Further studies are needed to elucidate the vector competence of ticks to transmit hemoplasmas.

Molecular detection of hemoplasmas in rescued blackeared opossums (Didelphis aurita Wied-Neuwied, 1826) from southeastern Brazil, with evidence of a novel genotype infecting marsupials / Detecção molecular de hemoplasmas em gambás-de-orelha-preta (Didelphis aurita Wied-Neuwied, 1826) resgatados do sudeste do Brasil, com evidência de um novo genótipo infectando marsupiais

There is a growing concern about the participation of wild hosts and reservoirs in the epidemiology of several pathogens, particularly within the context of environmental changes and the expansion of the One Health concept. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of hemoplasmas in opossums rescued from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 15 Didelphis aurita and subjected to DNA extraction and PCR using primers for the 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA genes. Physical examination and hematological analysis were also performed. Three out of 15 opossums tested positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. by PCR and showed hematological alterations such as anemia and leukocytosis. Clinical signs were non-specific and associated to traumatic lesions. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the hemoplasma detected was positioned between 'Ca. Mycoplasma haemodidelphis' detected in D. virginiana from North American and hemoplasmas recently detected in D. aurita from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This study indicates the existence of hemoplasma infections in D. aurita from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, and reinforce the need for new epidemiological inquiries to clarify the participation of these in the dynamics of circulation of tick-borne pathogens.(AU)

Há uma crescente preocupação com a participação de hospedeiros e reservatórios silvestres na epidemiologia de diversos patógenos, principalmente no contexto das mudanças ambientais e da expansão do conceito "One Health". O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a presença de hemoplasmas em gambás resgatados da região metropolitana do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 15 Didelphis aurita e submetidas à extração de DNA e PCR utilizando-se "primers" para os genes 16S rRNA e 23S rRNA. O exame físico e a análise hematológica também foram realizados. Três dos 15 gambás testaram positivo para Mycoplasma spp. hemotrópico por PCR. Os sinais clínicos eram inespecíficos e associados a lesões traumáticas. Anemia e leucocitose foram detectadas em animais positivos. A análise filogenética indicou que o hemoplasma detectado estava posicionado entre 'Ca. Mycoplasma haemodidelphis' detectado em D. virginiana da América do Norte e hemoplasmas recentemente detectados em D. aurita do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Este estudo indica a existência de infecções por hemoplasmas em D. aurita, da região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, e reforça a necessidade de novos inquéritos epidemiológicos, para esclarecer a participação destes na dinâmica de circulação de patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos.(AU)

Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in Aquatic Mammals, Amazon Basin, Brazil.

Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. (hemoplasmas) are uncultivable bacteria that infect mammals, including humans. We detected a potentially novel hemoplasma species in blood samples from wild river dolphins in the Amazon River Basin, Brazil. Further investigation could determine pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of the detected hemoplasma.

First Report of 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematomacacae' in Laboratory-Kept Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta) Maintained in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Health monitoring programs in animals used as experimental models are essential, since only disease-free subjects are considered suitable for research purposes. In laboratory-kept animals, hemoplasmas have been described as an important confounding variable. Different hemoplasma species have been detected infecting non-human primates (NHP) from Brazil. However, the occurrence of hemoplasma species in laboratory-kept NHP in Brazil has not-yet been assessed. Accordingly, this study aimed (i) to screen laboratory-kept rhesus monkeys for hemoplasmas, (ii) to verify if any of the hemoplasma-positive animals demonstrate hematological abnormalities, and (iii) to assess the genotype diversity of hemoplasma species in NHP from Brazil. Five out of eight (62.5%; 95% CI: 3.05-8.63) rhesus monkeys tested positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. by PCR. Sequencing, phylogenetic, distance, and genotype diversity analyses of partial 16S rRNA gene demonstrate that rhesus monkeys were infected by 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematomacacae' (formerly 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomacaque'). Assessments of partial 16S rRNA diversity of hemoplasma species in NHP suggest that at least four genetically diverse groups may occur in Brazil. Although no hematological abnormalities were demonstrated in rhesus monkeys evaluated herein, future studies are needed to elucidate the influence of 'Ca. M. haematomacacae' as a confounding variable on research studies.

Expanding the Universe of Hemoplasmas: Multi-Locus Sequencing Reveals Putative Novel Hemoplasmas in Lowland Tapirs (Tapirus terrestris), the Largest Land Mammals in Brazil.

The lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is the largest land mammal in Brazil and classified as a vulnerable species, according to the assessment of the risk of extinction. The present study aimed at investigating the occurrence and genetic diversity of hemoplasmas in free-ranging T. terrestris from the Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado biomes. Blood samples were collected from 94 living and eight road-killed tapirs, totalizing 125 samples Conventional PCR targeting four different genes (16S rRNA, 23S rRNA, RNAse P, and dnaK) were performed, and the obtained sequences were submitted for phylogenetic, genotype diversity, and distance analyses. The association between hemoplasma positivity and possible risk variables (age, gender, and origin) was assessed. Out of 122 analyzed samples, 41 (41/122; 33.61% CI: 25.84-42.38%) were positive in the 16S rRNA-based PCR assay for hemoplasmas. Positivity for hemoplasmas did not differ between tapirs' gender and age. Tapirs from Pantanal were 5.64 times more likely to present positive results for hemoplasmas when compared to tapirs sampled in Cerrado. BLASTn, phylogenetic, genotype diversity, and distance analyses performed herein showed that the sampled lowland tapirs might be infected by two genetically distinct hemoplasmas, namely 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoterrestris' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematotapirus'. While the former was positioned into "Mycoplasma haemofelis group" and closely related to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum, the latter was positioned into "Mycoplasma suis group" and closely related to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematobos'. The impact of both putative novel species on tapir health status should be investigated.

Molecular survey and genetic characterization of 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemolamae' in llamas (Lama glama) and alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from Southern Chile.

This study aimed to perform a molecular survey and identification of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in domestic South American Camelids from Southern Chile. Conventional PCR (cPCR) for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. based on 16S rRNA gene (620bp fragment) was performed in 87 EDTA-blood samples taken from 48 llamas (Lama glama) and 39 and alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from to Temuco, La Araucanía region and Valdivia, Los Rios region, Southern Chile. 16S rRNA hemotropic Mycoplasma PCR-positive were sequenced for species identification, phylogenetic and haplotype analyses, and further tested by cPCR targeting a fragment (160-210 bp) of the RNaseP (rnpB) gene. Based upon 16S rRNA cPCR results, the overall hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. occurrence in Southern camelids was 9.2% (8/87 [95% CI (4.0-17.3%)]), with five positive alpacas (12.8%; 5/39 [95% CI (4.3-27.4%)]) and three llamas (6.3%; 3/48 [95% CI (1.7-17.2%)]). All 16S rRNA PCR-positive samples were negative for the rnpB gene. Obtained 16S sequences presented high identity (99-100%) by BLASTn analysis to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemolamae' from an alpaca in the United Kingdom. Phylogenetic and haplotype analyses of the 16s rRNA gene showed high similarity among 'Candidatus M. haemolamae' sequences of this study and the ones from North America, Europe, and Asia evidencing a low diversity of Chilean samples, with only one haplotype detected (#1). Haplotype #1 from South American Camelids in Chile was worldwide distributed and observed in North America, Europe, and Asia. 'Candidatus M. haemolamae' detected for the first time in South American camelids in Southern Chile had low diversity and was worldwide spread.

First molecular evidence of bovine hemoplasma species (Mycoplasma spp.) in water buffalo and dairy cattle herds in Cuba.

BACKGROUND: Hemotropic mycoplasmas (aka hemoplasmas) are small bacteria which cause infectious anemia in several mammalian species including humans. Information on hemoplasma infections in Cuban bovines remains scarce and no studies applying molecular methods have been performed so far. The aim of the present study was to utilize real-time PCR and sequence analysis to investigate dairy cattle and buffalo from Cuba for the presence of bovine hemoplasma species. RESULTS: A total of 80 blood samples from 39 buffalo and 41 dairy cattle were investigated for the presence of Mycoplasma wenyonii and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos" using two species-specific real-time TaqMan PCR assays. PCR results revealed overall 53 (66.2%; 95% CI: 55.3-75.7%) positive animals for M. wenyonii and 33 (41.2%; 95% CI: 31.1-52.2%) for "Ca. M. haemobos"; the latter were all co-infections with M. wenyonii. The sample prevalences were similar in cattle and buffalo. Based on the sequence analysis of the nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene from two cattle and two buffalo, the presence of M. wenyonii and "Ca. M. haemobos" was confirmed. Statistical analysis revealed that buffalo and cattle one year of age or older were more frequently infected with M. wenyonii or "Ca. M. haemobos" than younger animals. PCR-positivity was not associated with anemia; however, the infection stage was unknown (acute infection versus chronic carriers). CONCLUSIONS: The high occurrence of bovine hemoplasma infections in buffalo and dairy cattle may have a significant impact on Cuban livestock production. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular evidence of bovine hemoplasma species infection in dairy cattle and buffalo from Cuba and the Caribbean.

Molecular detection of Mycoplasma ovis in an outbreak of hemolytic anemia in sheep from Veracruz, Mexico.

Mycoplasma ovis is a small, pleiotropic bacterium, which parasitizes the external surface of erythrocytes of several species of artiodactyl mammals, especially sheep and goats. We here report an outbreak of ovine mycoplasmosis in a sheep flock of a private ranch (Universidad Veracruzana) in Veracruz, Mexico. For the identification of Mycoplasma and other hemoparasitic bacterial agents, we stained blood smears with the DiffQuick® technique and additionally amplified several fragments of 16S rDNA gene. We detected the presence of morulas in erythrocytes from 30 sick female adult sheep, and found Mycoplasma ovis DNA in all of them. Furthermore, three of these animals also tested positive for Anaplasma ovis. Our findings represent the first record of M. ovis and A. ovis in an outbreak of hemolytic anemia in a sheep flock, leading to severe livestock loss in a ranch of Mexico. This study highlights the importance of establishing an active surveillance of both pathogens in the country.

Mycoplasma ovis infection in goat farms from northeastern Brazil.

Although Mycoplasma ovis (formerly Eperythrozoon ovis) has been described in small ruminants worldwide, data on M. ovis in goats remain scarce. Accordingly, the aims of the present study were to i) determine the prevalence of hemoplasmas in goats, ii) identify the tick species parasitizing the animals, and iii) determine factors associated with infection in five dairy and three beef goat farms from the Paraíba State, northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were obtained from 402 goats. Samples were screened for hemoplasmas using a pan-hemoplasma PCR. The positive samples were confirmed by sequencing. An epidemiological questionnaire was given to each farm owner addressing age, gender, and presence of ticks. A total of 158/402 (39.3%) goats were positive for M. ovis by PCR. Sequencing of PCR positive samples has shown ≥99% identity with multiple M. ovis 16S rDNA sequences deposited in GenBank, including M. ovis isolates from humans. Dairy (OR=2.15; 95% CI: 1.40-3.32%; P=0.0004) and anemic goats (OR=2.33; 95% CI: 1.51-3.71%; P=0.0001) were more likely to be infected than beef and non-anemic animals, respectively. Amblyomma parvum (49/52, 94.23%) and Rhipicephalus microplus (3/52, 5.77%) were the tick species found parasitizing the animals, with no significant association between the presence of ticks and infection by M. ovis (P=0.1164). This is the first reportedly molecular detection of M. ovis infection in goats from South America. In conclusion, M. ovis is highly prevalent in goats from northeastern Brazil, mainly in dairy animals.

Uso de PCR universal de hemoplasma para avaliação de cavalos altamente expostos a picadas de carrapato no Sul do Brasil / Use of pan-hemoplasma PCR for screening horses highly exposed to tick bites from southern Brazil

Mycoplasma sp. são bactérias hemotrópicas dos eritrócitos e é o agente causador da hemoplasmose. O diagnóstico da infecção é realizado pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e PCR em tempo real (qPCR) baseada no gene 16S RNA desta bactéria. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar cavalos para a infecção por Mycoplasma sp. utilizando um protocolo de SYBR green qPCR universal para hemoplasmas. Um total de 198 amostras de sangue de cavalos foram coletadas, o DNA foi extraído e a qPCR universal para hemoplasmas realizado. Todas as amostras foram negativas pela qPCR. Para verificar a presença de DNA amplificável, PCR para o gene gliceraldeído-3-fosfato desidrogenase foi realizada em todas as amostras. Este estudo foi parte de um programa de vigilância ativa, o qual é crucial para o monitoramento do estado de saúde animal, particularmente em cavalos.(AU)

Mycoplasma sp. are hemotropic bacteria of red blood cells and the causative agent of hemoplasmosis. Diagnosis of infection is reached by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR) of the 16S RNA gene of this bacteria. The aim of this study was to screen horses for Mycoplasma sp. Infection using a pan-hemoplasma SYBR green qPCR assay. A total of 198 blood samples from horses were collected, DNA extracted and pan-hemoplasma qPCR performed. All samples were negative by qPCR. To verify the presence of amplifiable DNA, PCR for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene was performed on all samples. This study was part of an active surveillance program, which is critical for monitoring animal health status, particularly in horses. (AU)

Uso de PCR universal de hemoplasma para avaliação de cavalos altamente expostos a picadas de carrapato no Sul do Brasil / Use of pan-hemoplasma PCR for screening horses highly exposed to tick bites from southern Brazil

Mycoplasma sp. são bactérias hemotrópicas dos eritrócitos e é o agente causador da hemoplasmose. O diagnóstico da infecção é realizado pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e PCR em tempo real (qPCR) baseada no gene 16S RNA desta bactéria. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar cavalos para a infecção por Mycoplasma sp. utilizando um protocolo de SYBR green qPCR universal para hemoplasmas. Um total de 198 amostras de sangue de cavalos foram coletadas, o DNA foi extraído e a qPCR universal para hemoplasmas realizado. Todas as amostras foram negativas pela qPCR. Para verificar a presença de DNA amplificável, PCR para o gene gliceraldeído-3-fosfato desidrogenase foi realizada em todas as amostras. Este estudo foi parte de um programa de vigilância ativa, o qual é crucial para o monitoramento do estado de saúde animal, particularmente em cavalos.

Mycoplasma sp. are hemotropic bacteria of red blood cells and the causative agent of hemoplasmosis. Diagnosis of infection is reached by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR) of the 16S RNA gene of this bacteria. The aim of this study was to screen horses for Mycoplasma sp. Infection using a pan-hemoplasma SYBR green qPCR assay. A total of 198 blood samples from horses were collected, DNA extracted and pan-hemoplasma qPCR performed. All samples were negative by qPCR. To verify the presence of amplifiable DNA, PCR for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene was performed on all samples. This study was part of an active surveillance program, which is critical for monitoring animal health status, particularly in horses.

Hemoplasma prevalence and hematological abnormalities associated with infection in three different cat populations from Southern Brazil / Prevalência da infecção por hemoplasmas e alterações hematológicas associadas à infecção em três diferentes populações de gatos do sul do Brasil

Three hemoplasma species are recognized in domestic cats: Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis. We report the prevalence and hematological abnormalities of hemoplasma infection in 369 domestic cats from three different populations (blood donors, hospitalized cats and shelter cats) from Southern Brazil. Complete blood counts were performed at the time of blood collection, and DNA was extracted and tested by conventional PCR for each hemoplasma species. A total of 79 samples (21.40%) were positive for at least one species. The most prevalent hemoplasma was ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, with 50/369 (13.55%) positive cats, followed by ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, 10/369 (2.71%), and Mycoplasma haemofelis, 8/369 (2.16%). Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum coinfection was observed in 4/369 (1.08%), whereas ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis in 5/369 (1.35%). Three cats (0.81%) were infected with all three hemoplasmas. There was no association between infection and the different populations. Anemia was associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, but not with ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis. Male cats and cats with outdoor access were more likely to be infected. Although ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum is believed to cause minimal or no hematological alterations, the infected cats studied herein were more likely to be anemic.

Três espécies de hemoplasmas são reconhecidas em gatos domésticos: Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis. A prevalência e alterações hematológicas associadas à infecção por hemoplasmas foi estudada, em 369 gatos domésticos de três populações distintas (doadores de sangue, hospitais e gatos de abrigo) do Sul do Brasil. Foram realizados hemogramas completos no momento da coleta de sangue e as amostras tiveram seu DNA extraído e testado por PCR convencional para cada espécie de hemoplasmas. Setenta e nove amostras (21,40%) foram positivas para pelo menos uma espécie. O mais prevalente foi ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum com 50/369 (13,55%) gatos positivos, seguidos por ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis com 10/369 (2,71%) e Mycoplasma haemofelis com 8/369 (2,16%). Coinfecção por Mycoplasma haemofelis e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum foi observada em 4/369 (1,08%), enquanto ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis coinfectaram 5/369 (1,35%) gatos. Três (0,81%) gatos apresentaram infecção pelos três hemoplasmas. Não houve associação entre a infecção e as diferentes populações. Anemia foi associada com a infecção por Mycoplasma haemofelis e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, mas não com ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis. Gatos machos e com acesso à rua apresentaram maior probabilidade de serem infectados. Embora se acredite que ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum possa causar alterações hematológicas mínimas ou ausentes, gatos infectados encontrados neste estudo foram mais propensos à anemia.

Hemoplasma prevalence and hematological abnormalities associated with infection in three different cat populations from Southern Brazil / Prevalência da infecção por hemoplasmas e alterações hematológicas associadas à infecção em três diferentes populações de gatos do sul do Brasil

Three hemoplasma species are recognized in domestic cats: Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. We report the prevalence and hematological abnormalities of hemoplasma infection in 369 domestic cats from three different populations (blood donors, hospitalized cats and shelter cats) from Southern Brazil. Complete blood counts were performed at the time of blood collection, and DNA was extracted and tested by conventional PCR for each hemoplasma species. A total of 79 samples (21.40%) were positive for at least one species. The most prevalent hemoplasma was ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, with 50/369 (13.55%) positive cats, followed by ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’, 10/369 (2.71%), and Mycoplasma haemofelis, 8/369 (2.16%). Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ coinfection was observed in 4/369 (1.08%), whereas ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ in 5/369 (1.35%). Three cats (0.81%) were infected with all three hemoplasmas. There was no association between infection and the different populations. Anemia was associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, but not with ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. Male cats and cats with outdoor access were more likely to be infected. Although ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ is believed to cause minimal or no hematological alterations, the infected cats studied herein were more likely to be anemic.

Três espécies de hemoplasmas são reconhecidas em gatos domésticos: Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. A prevalência e alterações hematológicas associadas à infecção por hemoplasmas foi estudada, em 369 gatos domésticos de três populações distintas (doadores de sangue, hospitais e gatos de abrigo) do Sul do Brasil. Foram realizados hemogramas completos no momento da coleta de sangue e as amostras tiveram seu DNA extraído e testado por PCR convencional para cada espécie de hemoplasmas. Setenta e nove amostras (21,40%) foram positivas para pelo menos uma espécie. O mais prevalente foi ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ com 50/369 (13,55%) gatos positivos, seguidos por ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ com 10/369 (2,71%) e Mycoplasma haemofelis com 8/369 (2,16%). Coinfecção por Mycoplasma haemofelis e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ foi observada em 4/369 (1,08%), enquanto ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ coinfectaram 5/369 (1,35%) gatos. Três (0,81%) gatos apresentaram infecção pelos três hemoplasmas. Não houve associação entre a infecção e as diferentes populações. Anemia foi associada com a infecção por Mycoplasma haemofelis e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, mas não com ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. Gatos machos e com acesso à rua apresentaram maior probabilidade de serem infectados. Embora se acredite que ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ possa causar alterações hematológicas mínimas ou ausentes, gatos infectados encontrados neste estudo foram mais propensos à anemia.