Prevalence and diversity of Mycoplasma spp. pathogens in domestic cats

Abstract

The three main haemoplasma species known to infect cats are Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis. These mycoplasmas have a worldwide distribution. The haemoplasmas are haemotropic, minute, gram-negative, epicellular bacteria that parasitise red blood cells causing haemolytic anaemia (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 haemotropic 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. The aim of the present study was to detect and identify Mycoplasma species using molecular detection methods in cats from Lithuania. Blood samples were collected from 109 cats in pet clinics and animal shelters in Kaunas during 2016-2018. DNA was isolated from EDTA-anticoagulant whole blood. Detection of Mycoplasma was performed using Real-Time and conventional PCR targeting a 600-bp region of the 16S rRNA gene. PCR products were sequenced and then analyzed using BLAST and Mega software. Molecular analysis allowed detection of Mycoplasma DNA in 14% (15/109) of cats - 22% (4/18) in shelter cats and 12% (11/91) in cats brought to pet clinic. Sequence analysis of Mycoplasma isolates revealed the presence of two Mycoplasma species in cats – Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and Mycoplasma haemofelis. This study is the first report on molecular detection and characterization of Mycoplasma spp. in cats in Lithuania.