Infection with Mycoplasma Spp. in domestic cat (Felis Catus) and cat fleas In Lithuania

Abstract

Introduction. Mycoplasma spp. infection frequently causes chronic and acute diseases in cats. These gram-negative bacteria act as parasites on the surface of feline red blood cells, causing hemotropic mycoplasmosis, the main clinical symptom of which is anemia. Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) may transmit Mycoplasma spp. between cats. Timely and accurate identification of the causative agent of mycoplasmosis can prevent more dangerous health disorders in cats. To date, there is no data on the prevalence of Mycoplasma spp. in cats and their fleas in Lithuania. Methods. A total of 163 blood samples collected from domestic cats presented at veterinary clinics and animal shelter and 102 fleas collected from cats in Lithuania were examined for the presence of Mycoplasma infection Mycoplasma spp. were identified by PCR and sequence analysis of partial 16S rRNA gene. Results. Pathogens were detected in blood samples of 19 cats (11.7 %). The sequence analysis revealed the presence of Mycoplasma haemofelis (4/19) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (15/19). Three fleas (2.9 %) were positive for Mycoplasma spp. Conclusions. The results of the present study demonstrate the relatively high prevalence of Mycoplasma spp. in cats and the presence of these bacteria in cat fleas and show the necessity to use a molecular analysis for an accurate diagnosis of these pathogens.