The prevalence of three species of feline haemoplasmas in samples submitted to a diagnostics service as determined by three novel real-time duplex PCR assays

Three distinct species of feline haemoplasmas are recognised: Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm) and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). These species differ in pathogenicity as Mhf and CMt can be associated with anaemia whereas CMhm usually results in few clinical signs. The purpose of this study was to develop quantitative real-time PCR assays for the detection of all three feline haemoplasma species combined with an endogenous internal control and to determine the prevalence of infection, using these assays, in 1592 EDTA blood samples submitted to Langford Veterinary Diagnostics, University of Bristol for haemoplasma testing. Primers and TaqMan probes were designed against published 16S rDNA sequences. These assays were combined with a feline 28S rDNA-specific assay to produce three duplex assays. The assays detected 1-10 copies of a sequence-specific plasmid per PCR. None of the assays showed cross-reactivity with 10(6) copies of a sequence-specific plasmid from the non-target haemoplasma species. Real-time PCR was performed on all samples using the three assays. Seven samples were negative for feline 28S rDNA and were excluded from the study. Of the remaining 1585 samples, 45 (2.8%), 177 (11.2%) and 27 (1.7%) samples were positive for Mhf, CMhm and CMt, respectively, including 11 Mhf/CMhm, 10 CMhm/CMt and two Mhf/CMt dual infections and two triple infections. The results of this study demonstrate the utility of these new duplex PCR assays for the detection of haemoplasma infections. CMhm was the most common infection and CMt infections were often associated with co-infection with other haemoplasma species, especially CMhm.     

Use of real-time PCR to detect Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in the saliva and salivary glands of haemoplasma-infected cats

Feline haemoplasma infection can cause haemolytic anaemia. The natural method of transmission of haemoplasmas between cats is currently unknown but the nature of some of the risk factors for infection suggests that saliva may act as a mode of transmission. The aim of this study was to determine if Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (CMhm) DNAs could be amplified from saliva and salivary gland samples collected from haemoplasma-infected cats.     

Acute phase response to Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' infection in FIV-infected and non-FIV-infected cats

The pathogenicity of Haemoplasma spp. in cats varies with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (CMhm) causing subclinical infection while Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) often induces haemolytic anaemia. The aims of this study were to characterise the acute phase response (APR) of the cat to experimental infection with Mhf or CMhm, and to determine whether chronic feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection influences this response. The acute phase proteins serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) concentrations were measured pre-infection and every 7-14days up to day 100 post-infection (pi) in cats infected with either Mhf or CMhm. Half of each group of cats (6/12) were chronically and subclinically infected with FIV. Marbofloxacin treatment was given on days 16-44 pi to half of the Mhf-infected cats, and on days 49-77 pi to half of the CMhm-infected cats. FIV-infected animals had significantly lower AGP concentrations, and significantly greater Hp concentrations than non-FIV-infected cats when infected with CMhm and Mhf, respectively. Both CMhm and Mhf infection were associated with significant increases in SAA concentrations, while AGP concentrations were only significantly increased by Mhf infection. Mhf-infected cats had significantly greater SAA concentrations than CMhm-infected animals. Both Mhf and CMhm infections were associated with an APR, with Mhf infection inducing a greater response. Chronic FIV infection appeared to modify the APR, which varied with the infecting Haemoplasma species.     

Use of combined conventional and real-time PCR to determine the epidemiology of feline haemoplasma infections in northern Italy

Although knowledge of feline haemotropic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) has dramatically improved in recent years, some issues still remain to be elucidated. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the prevalence of feline haemoplasma infections in blood samples collected from cats in northern Italy. A convenience-sample of 307 cats (40 anaemic; 258 non-anaemic; nine with unknown haematocrit [HCT]) was investigated using polymerase chain reaction assays. Furthermore, the date of blood collection, signalment and clinicopathological data were retrospectively evaluated to assess predictors and risk factors for infection. Haemoplasma infections were highly prevalent in the sample investigated with an overall prevalence of 18.9% (95% confidence interval: 14.5-23.3%). The prevalence for the three feline haemoplasmas was 17.3% for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (CMhm), 5.9% for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and 1.3% for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' (CMt). Feline immunodeficiency virus-positive status represented a risk factor for infection with an odds ratio of 4.19 (P=0.02). Moreover, a higher prevalence was observed in summer (odds ratio 1.78; P=0.04) which may be consistent with arthropod-borne disease transmission. Cats infected with Mhf showed significantly lower HCT (P=0.03), haemoglobin values (P=0.02) and red blood cell counts (P=0.04), lower mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (P<0.01) and higher white blood cell counts (P<0.01) when compared with non-infected cats.     

Survival of Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in blood of cats used for transfusions

Blood transfusions are commonly administered to cats; associated risks include the transmission of various infectious diseases including Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (Mhm). Blood transfusions in citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine (CPDA-1) solution are commonly administered immediately or stored for up to 1 month prior to administration. It is unknown whether Mhf or Mhm survive in this solution or temperature. The purpose of this study was to determine if Mhf or Mhm remain viable after storage in CPDA-1 for varying periods of time. The results provide evidence that transmission of hemoplasmas to na?ve cats occurs after administration of infected feline blood that has been stored in CPDA-1 solution for 1h (Mhf) and 1 week (Mhm). These findings support the recommendation that cats used as blood donors be screened for Mhf and Mhm infections by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay prior to use.     

Use of conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction to determine the epidemiology of hemoplasma infections in anemic and nonanemic cats

BACKGROUND: The goals of this study were to develop and apply conventional (c) and real-time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' (Mhp), and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (Mhm) to blood samples of cats to determine the epidemiology of these infections in cats. HYPOTHESIS: Cats are infected with >2 hemoplasma species, and organism load correlates with disease induced by these organisms. ANIMALS: Blood samples from 263 anemic and nonanemic cats were used. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted. RESULTS: Forty-seven (18%) samples were positive. Three samples (1%) yielded 170 base pair cPCR products, 1 of which was positive for Mhf using real-time PCR. Forty-four samples (17%) yielded 193 base pair cPCR products, 40 of which were positive for Mhm using real-time PCR. Organism loads ranged from 375 X 10(6)/mL to 6.9 x 10(6)/mL of blood. Sequencing of cPCR products from samples testing negative using real-time PCR identified 2 Mhp-like sequences, 1 Mhm-like sequence, and 1 sequence resembling 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. Cats infected with Mhm were less likely to be anemic than uninfected cats. Older age, outdoor exposure, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) seropositivity, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and stomatitis were associated with Mhm infection. Cats from the Sacramento Valley were more often infected with Mhm than cats from the San Francisco bay area. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Cats may be infected with 4 hemoplasma species. The association between Mhm infection, FIV, and SCC may reflect outdoor roaming status of infected cats. The clustered distribution of infection suggests an arthropod vector in transmission.     

In vivo transmission studies of ��Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis�� in the domestic cat

The natural transmission routes of the three feline haemotropic mycoplasmas – Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ (CMt) – are largely unknown. Since CMt has been detected in the saliva of infected cats using PCR, we hypothesised that direct transmission via social or aggressive contact may occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate this transmission route. CMt-positive saliva and blood samples were obtained from three prednisolone-treated specific pathogen-free (SPF) cats that were infected intraperitoneally with CMt. Five SPF cats were inoculated with CMt-positive saliva or blood subcutaneously to mimic cat bites, and five cats were inoculated orally with blood or oronasally with saliva to mimic social contact. Blood samples were monitored for CMt infection using quantitative real-time PCR and for seroconversion using a novel western blot assay. Neither oronasal nor subcutaneous inoculation with CMt-positive saliva led to CMt infection in the recipient cats, as determined by PCR, independent of prior prednisolone treatment. However, when blood containing the same CMt dose was given subcutaneously, 4 of the 5 cats became PCR-positive, while none of the 5 cats inoculated orally with up to 500 μL of CMt-positive blood became PCR-positive. Subsequently, the latter cats were successfully subcutaneously infected with blood. All 13 CMt-exposed cats seroconverted. In conclusion, CMt transmission by social contact seems less likely than transmission by aggressive interaction. The latter transmission may occur if the recipient cat is exposed to blood from an infected cat.     

Prevalence and risk factors for hemoplasmas in domestic cats naturally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus and/or feline leukemia virus in Rio de Janeiro--Brazil

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (Mhm) infections in domestic cats tested for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Based on serological testing, cats were grouped as i) FIV-positive (n=25); ii) FeLV-positive (n=39); iii) FIV/FeLV-positive (n=8); and iv) FIV/FeLV-negative (n=77). Complete blood counts were followed by DNA extraction, species-specific polymerase chain reaction (16S rRNA gene) for Mhf and Mhm and Southern blotting for all animals. Mhf DNA was found in 4.0, 2.6, 12.5 and 7.8% of the cats from groups i, ii, iii and iv, respectively, while 32, 5.1, 50 and 5.2% of these animals had an Mhm infection. Cats with FIV (OR=4.25, P=0.009) and both FIV and FeLV (OR=7.56, P=0.014) were at greater risk of being hemoplasma infected than retroviral-negative cats, mainly due to Mhm infection (OR=8.59, P=0.001 and OR=18.25, P=0.001, respectively). Among pure-breed cats, FIV-positive status was associated with hemoplasma infection (OR 45.0, P=0.001).     

Co-infection with Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in three cats from Brazil

The two most common haemotropic Mycoplasma of cats, Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' have been identified using molecular techniques in all continents, except Antarctica. We report the first molecular characterization in South America of a dual infection with M haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in three domestic cats. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified in three anaemic cats in which haemoplasma organisms were seen attached to the erythrocytes in the peripheral blood smear. Bands of the expected size for M haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' were observed in all three cats. The 393 bp segment of one of the amplicons had a similarity value of 100% to M haemofelis, whereas the other amplicon, a 192 bp segment, was 100% similar to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum'. After diagnosis, two cats received blood transfusion and they were all treated with doxycycline. All three cats recovered uneventfully.     

Evaluation of experimental transmission of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and Mycoplasma haemofelis by Ctenocephalides felis to cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Ctenocephalides felis can transmit Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (Mhm) through hematophagous activity between cats. ANIMALS: 11 cats. PROCEDURE: 2 cats were carriers of either Mhf or Mhm. Nine cats had negative results via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for Mhf and Mhm DNA; 3 of those cats were infected from the chronic carriers via i.v. inoculation of blood. At the time of maximum organism count for each of the Mycoplasma spp, 1 chamber containing 100 C felis was bandaged to the amplifier cats. Five days later, fleas, feces, larvae, or eggs from each chamber were analyzed for Mycoplasma spp DNA. Viable fleas from the chambers were allocated into new chambers (3 Mhm and 6 Mhf) and attached to na?ve cats for 5 days. Cats were monitored daily for clinical signs and weekly via CBC and PCR assay for infection with Mhf or Mhm for a minimum of 8 weeks. RESULTS: Uptake of Mhf and Mhm DNA into fleas, feces, and, potentially, eggs and larvae was detected. Of the na?ve cats fed on by Mhf-infected fleas, 1 cat transiently yielded positive PCR assay results for Mhf on 1 sampling date without clinical or hematologic changes consistent with Mhf infection. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that hematophagous transfer of Mhm and Mhf into fleas occurred and that C felis is a possible vector for Mhf via hematophagous activity.     

Occurrence of 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' infection in domestic cats in Japan

We have examined the presence of hemoplasmas, hemotropic mycoplasmas, among domestic cats (Felis catus) in Japan by using a species specific PCR, and found 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis', a recently recognized hemoplasma species. A total of 60 feline blood samples collected in 2004 and 2005 were subjected to PCR amplification for the detection of Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. Six blood samples collected from domestic cats were found infected with the 'Candidatus M. turicensis'. All of them are also infected with other species of hemoplasmas, M. haemofelis and/or 'Candidatus M. haemominutum'. This is the first to demonstrate 'Candidatus M. turicensis' infections among cat population in Japan.     

Attempted transmission of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and Mycoplasma haemofelis by feeding cats infected Ctenocephalides felis

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (Mhm) can be transmitted by ingestion of Mycoplasma-infected Ctenocephalides felis and by-products (feces, larvae, and eggs). ANIMALS: 10 cats. PROCEDURE: 3 cats were carriers of Mhf, and 1 was a carrier of Mhm. Six cats had negative results of PCR assay for Mhf and Mhm DNA. A chamber containing 100 C felis was bandaged to 2 Mhf carrier cats. Five days later, fleas and by-products were analyzed for Mycoplasma spp DNA. The remaining fleas and a sample of by-products were fed to 2 Mycoplasma-na?ve cats. A chamber containing 200 C felis was bandaged to the Mhm carrier cat. Five days later, fleas and by-products were analyzed for Mycoplasma spp DNA. The remaining fleas and a sample of by-products were fed to 2 Mycoplasma-na?ve cats. A chamber containing 200 C felis was bandaged to an Mhf carrier cat and Mhm-carrier cat. Three days later, fleas and by-products were analyzed for Mycoplasma spp DNA. The remaining fleas and a random sample of by products were fed to 4 Mycoplasma-na?ve cats. All cats were monitored for infection for >or=7 weeks. RESULTS: Uptake of Mhf and Mhm DNA into fleas and by-products was detected. None of the na?ve cats became infected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that ingestion of Mycoplasma-infected C felis or by-products is not an important means of transmission for Mhf or Mhm.     

Prevalences of various hemoplasma species among cats in the United States with possible hemoplasmosis

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.     

Humoral immune response to a recombinant hemoplasma antigen in experimental 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' infection

'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' is a feline hemoplasma species that was isolated in a cat with hemolytic anemia. PCR has been widely used to investigate and diagnose 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' infection, but so far, little is known about the humoral immune response in infected cats. Recently, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were developed to monitor anti-feline hemoplasma antibodies. The aim of the present study was to investigate the humoral immune response in cats experimentally infected with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' and to monitor the influence of the pre-administration of methylprednisolone and subsequent antibiotic treatment. Serum and plasma samples from 15 specified pathogen-free cats infected with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' were analyzed by ELISA. Seroconversion was demonstrated in all cats, and the antibodies remained detectable until the end of the study (up to 100 weeks post-exposure). In some cats, the ELISA seemed more sensitive and better able to demonstrate exposure to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' than PCR. The peak antibody level occurred after the peak of the bacterial blood loads. The methylprednisolone administrations were associated with increased antibody levels, while antibiotic treatment, particularly with doxycycline, resulted in a decrease in antibody levels. Additionally, preliminary data indicated that three of four seropositive cats were protected from bacteremia after a subsequent challenge. In conclusion, the ELISA was found to be a useful tool to investigate the humoral immune response in hemoplasma-infected cats and a desirable addition to PCR to study the pathogenesis of hemoplasma infections.     

Feline hemoplasmas in Switzerland: identification of a novel species, diagnosis, prevalence, and clinical importance

Two feline hemotropic mycoplasma spp. (aka hemoplasma) have previously been recognized. We recently discovered a third novel species in a cat with hemolytic anemia, designated 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis', which is closely related to rodent haemoplasmas. This novel species induced anemia after experimental transmission to two SPF cats. Three quantitative real-time PCR assays were newly designed and applied to an epidemiological study surveying the Swiss pet cat population. Blood samples from 713 healthy and ill cats were analyzed. Up to 104 parameters per cat (detailed questionnaire, case history, laboratory parameters and retroviral infections) were evaluated. 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' infection was more prevalent (8.5%) than Mycoplasma haemofelis (0.5%) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' (1%). Hemoplasma infections were associated with male gender, outdoor access, and old age, but not with disease or anemia. Infections were more frequently found in the South and West of Switzerland. Several hemoplasma infected cats, some acutely infected, others co-infected with FIV or FeLV, showed hemolytic anemia indicating that additional factors might play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.     

Detection of mixed infections with "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" and Mycoplasma haemofelis using real-time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of real-time TaqMan PCR assays for detection of coinfections with "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" (Mhm), and Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), in vitro and over time in experimentally infected cats. First, the ability of each real-time PCR assay to detect and quantify mixed infections was determined in vitro by testing mixtures of plasmids containing Mhm and Mhf 16S rDNA with each assay. Subsequently, 4 specific pathogen-free (SPF) cats, 2 of which were splenectomized, were inoculated with blood from a cat infected with both Mhm and Mhf. Sixteen blood samples were then collected from each cat over a 55-day period. Each of the 64 postinoculation samples was tested using both conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) and real-time PCR for the 16S rRNA gene of each organism. When applied to mixtures of plasmid DNA from each species, the results of quantitation with each of the real-time PCR assays approximately reflected the number of plasmid copies present. Forty-nine of 64 post-inoculation samples (77%) were positive using both cPCR and real-time PCR, 4 (6%) were positive using cPCR only, and 3 (5%) were positive using real-time PCR only. Both organisms were detected in 23 samples using real-time PCR. Mixed infections were not detected using cPCR. The size of the corresponding cPCR products suggested infection with Mhm in 4 and Mhf in 18 of these samples. The use of multiple separate real-time PCR assays rather than cPCR alone should thus be considered for epidemiologic studies of hemoplasmosis in cats.     

Prevalence of DNA of Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum,' Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and species of Bartonella, Neorickettsia, and Ehrlichia in cats used as blood donors in the United States

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of DNA of Mycoplasma haemofelis; 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum'; Anaplasma phagocytophilum; and species of Bartonella, Neorickettsia, and Ehrlichia in blood of cats used as blood donors in the United States. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 146 cats that were active blood donors. PROCEDURES: Environmental history was requested for each blood-donor cat from which a blood sample (mixed with EDTA) was available. Polymerase chain reaction assays capable of amplifying the DNA of the microorganisms of interest following DNA extraction from blood were performed. RESULTS: Overall, DNA of one or more of the infectious agents was detected in blood samples from 16 of 146 (11%) feline blood donors. Twenty-eight laboratory-reared cats housed in a teaching hospital had negative results for DNA of all organisms investigated. The DNA of at least 1 infectious agent was amplified from blood samples collected from 16 of 118 (13.6%) community-source cats; assay results were positive for 'Candidatus M haemominutum,' M haemofelis, or Bartonella henselae alone or in various combinations. Of the community-source cats allowed outdoors (n = 61) or with known flea exposure (44), DNA for a hemoplasma or B henselae was detected in 21.3% and 22.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When community-source cats, cats allowed outdoors, or cats exposed to fleas are to be used as blood donors, they should be regularly assessed for infection with M haemofelis, 'Candidatus M haemominutum,' and Bartonella spp, and flea-control treatment should be regularly provided.     

Diagnosis of feline haemoplasma infection using a real-time PCR assay

Haemobartonella felis has been reclassified within the genus Mycoplasma as Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', collectively referred to as the feline haemoplasmas. A total of 78 cats from the Johannesburg area that had blood samples submitted to a private veterinary laboratory were tested using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay able to detect and distinguish the two feline haemoplasma (basonym Haemobartonella) species. All samples had been diagnosed with haemoplasma infection by cytological examination of blood smears. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate associations between haemoplasma status, age, and haematological and biochemical parameters. On PCR assay 43 cats (55%) were haemoplasma negative, 25 (32.1%) positive for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', 5 (6.4%) positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis and 5 (6.4%) positive for both species. Significant inverse correlation was found between the amount of M. haemofelis DNA present in the blood and the haematocrit value. Cats that were positive for M. haemofelis showed macrocytic regenerative anaemia, monocytosis and thrombocytopaenia. This report documents the existence of both haemoplasma species in cats in South Africa.     

Prevalence of Bartonella species, haemoplasma species, Ehrlichia species, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Neorickettsia risticii DNA in the blood of cats and their fleas in the United States

Ctenocephalides felis were killed and collected from 92 cats in Alabama, Maryland, and Texas. The fleas and blood from the corresponding cat were digested and assessed in polymerase chain reaction assays that amplify DNA of Ehrlichia species, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neorickettsia risticii, Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus M haemominutum' and Bartonella species. DNA consistent with B henselae, B clarridgeiae, M haemofelis, or 'Candidatus M haemominutum' was commonly amplified from cats (60.9%) and their fleas (65.2%). Results of this study support the recommendation to maintain flea control on cats in endemic areas.     

Anemia associated with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in a feline leukemia virus-negative cat with lymphoma

'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum,' previously known as the small form of Haemobartonella felis (California species), is a hemotrophic parasite found on erythrocytes of infected cats. Although fleas are potential vectors, confirmatory studies are lacking. Healthy cats infected with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' generally do not have clinically significant anemia, but concurrent disease or immune suppression may predispose a cat to develop a life-threatening anemia, such as in the case reported here.