Identification of Mycoplasma Spp. Pathogens in Domestic cats in Lithuania

Abstract

Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis are minute, gram-negative, epicellular bacteria infecting the feline erythrocyte and causing immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), thrombocytopenia, fever and jaundice. IMHA caused by Mycoplasma spp. pathogens may range from mild to severe disease in cats. Such difference in the virulence of Mycoplasma genus is associated with pathogenesis of different Mycoplasma genus, M. haemofelis being the most pathogenic. The infection is not limited to cats, and can be caught from or given to other companion animals. Humans are also at risk of infection. Definitive diagnosis of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. infection is made by examination of a thin Wright-Giemsa-stained blood smear. However, examination under a microscope sometimes cannot detect the pathogens because the tiny organisms often resemble other blood artifacts.[...]