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Fayos M, Sacristán C, Velarde R, Ewbank AC, Sastre N, de la Torre A, Iglesias I, Gonzalez B, Sacristán I. Detection and characterization of hemotropic Mycoplasmas in Iberian wolves (Canis lupus signatus) of Cantabria, Spain. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 124:105659. [PMID: 39173940 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Hemoplasmas (hemotropic mycoplasmas) are uncultivable wall-less bacteria able to infect mammalian erythrocytes. Hemoplasmas can cause anemia, especially in immunocompromised hosts, predisposing to secondary infections and even leading to death. Between 2017 and 2023, spleen samples of 131 wild Iberian wolves (Canis lupus signatus) of Cantabria (Spain) were screened for Mycoplasma spp. using a real-time PCR able to amplify a 360 bp fragment of the 16S rRNA gene and confirmed by direct Sanger sequencing. Additional conventional PCRs were performed to screen for coinfections by different Mycoplasma species and to discriminate between Mycoplasma haemocanis/haemofelis (Mhc/Mhf). Overall, 24/131 (18.3%) animals were PCR-positive. Biological and environmental factors potentially promoting hemoplasma infection in this species were analyzed. Two different hemoplasma species were detected: Mhc/Mhf (18/131; 13.7%) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp) (3/131; 2.3%), each with one nucleotide sequence type (ntST); three other sequences were not classified. No Mhc/Mhf and CMhp coinfection were observed. The 12 Mhc/Mhf suitable for ribonuclease P RNA sequencing were confirmed as Mhc. Mhc ntST was 100% identical to a Mhc sequence previously obtained in domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), and in wild Iberian wolves of northwestern Spain (Asturias and Galicia) at a similar prevalence to the one found herein, suggesting a high Mhc genetic homogeneity in this wild population. CMhp ntST was 100% identical to CMhp sequences from domestic dogs. To our knowledge, this is the first description of CMhp in the Iberian wolf. The high genetic similarity observed in Mhc and CMhp sequences, as well as their high similarity with domestic dog sequences, suggest its recent introduction, a high level of intraspecific transmission within the wild wolf population, and likely, interspecific transmission between wolves and domestic dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manena Fayos
- Centro de Recuperación de Fauna Silvestre de Cantabria, Obregón 39690, Spain; Escuela de Doctorado de la UNED, Madrid 28015, Spain.
| | - Carlos Sacristán
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal, INIA-CSIC, Carretera Algete el Casar s/n, Valdeolmos, Madrid 28130, Spain
| | - Roser Velarde
- Wildlife Ecology and Health Group & Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Ana Carolina Ewbank
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal, INIA-CSIC, Carretera Algete el Casar s/n, Valdeolmos, Madrid 28130, Spain.
| | - Natalia Sastre
- Servei Veterinari de Genètica Molecular (SVGM), Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Ana de la Torre
- Wildlife Ecology and Health Group & Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Irene Iglesias
- Wildlife Ecology and Health Group & Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Beatriz Gonzalez
- Asistencia Técnica de TRAGSA Para la Dirección General de Montes y Biodiversidad de la Consejería de Desarrollo Rural, Ganadería, Pesca y Alimentación del Gobierno de Cantabria, C/ Albert Einstein, 2 Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain
| | - Irene Sacristán
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal, INIA-CSIC, Carretera Algete el Casar s/n, Valdeolmos, Madrid 28130, Spain
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Hemotropic Mycoplasma. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1319-1340. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Haemoplasma Prevalence and Diversity in Three Invasive Rattus Species from Gauteng Province, South Africa. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081632. [PMID: 36014050 PMCID: PMC9413481 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive Rattus species are carriers of haemotropic Mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) globally, but data from Africa are lacking. Using a PCR-sequencing approach, we assessed haemoplasma prevalence and diversity in kidney and buccal swabs collected from three invasive Rattus species (Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus and R. tanezumi) in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Whilst the overall sequence-confirmed haemoplasma prevalence was 38.4%, infection rates in R. rattus (58.3%) were significantly higher (χ2 = 12.96; df = 2; n = 99 p < 0.05) than for R. tanezumi (14.3%). Differences between host sex (χ2 = 3.59 × 10−31; df = 1; n = 99; p = 1.00) and age (χ2 = 4.28; df = 2; n = 99; p = 0.12) were not significant. Whilst buccal (1.01%) and ectoparasite positivity (2.13%) were low, these results suggest that multiple transmission routes are possible. Three phylogenetically distinct lineages, consistent with global rat-associated strains described to date, were detected, namely, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomuris subsp. Ratti’, and two Rattus-specific haemoplasmas that are yet to be formally described. These results expand the known distribution of invasive rat-associated haemoplasmas and highlight the potential for pathogen co-invasion of new territories together with invading rodent hosts.
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Zarea AAK, Bezerra-Santos MA, Nguyen VL, Colella V, Dantas-Torres F, Halos L, Beugnet F, Tempesta M, Otranto D, Greco G. Occurrence and bacterial loads of Bartonella and haemotropic Mycoplasma species in privately owned cats and dogs and their fleas from East and Southeast Asia. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:704-720. [PMID: 35545848 PMCID: PMC9544368 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Bartonella spp. and haemoplasmas are pathogens of veterinary and medical interest with ectoparasites mainly involved in their transmission. This study aimed at molecular detection of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasmas in cats (n = 93) and dogs (n = 96), and their related fleas (n = 189) from countries in East and Southeast Asia. Ctenocephalides felis was the dominant flea species infesting both cats (97.85%) and dogs (75%) followed by Ctenocephalides orientis in dogs (18.75%) and rarely in cats (5.2%). Bartonella spp. DNA was only detected in blood samples of flea‐infested cats (21.51%) (p < .0001, OR = 27.70) with Bartonella henselae more frequently detected than Bartonella clarridgeiae in cat hosts (15.05%, 6.45%) and their associated fleas (17.24%, 13.79%). Out of three Bartonella‐positive fleas from dogs, two Ct. orientis fleas carried Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and Bartonella clarridgeiae, while the 3rd flea (Ct. felis) carried Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii. Felines represented a risk factor for Bartonella spp. infections, where fleas collected from cats (32.25%) presented an increased likelihood for Bartonella spp. occurrence (p < .0001, OR = 14.76) than those from dogs (3.13%). Moreover, when analysing infectious status, higher Bartonella spp. DNA loads were detected in fleas from bacteraemic cats compared to those from non‐bacteraemic ones (p < .05). The haemoplasma occurrence was 16.13% (15/93) and 4.17% (4/96) in cat and dog blood samples from different countries (i.e. Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand), with cats more at risk of infection (p < .01, OR = 5.96) than dogs. Unlike Bartonella spp., there was no evidence for flea involvement in the hemoplasmas' transmission cycle, thus supporting the hypothesis of non‐vectorial transmission for these pathogens. In conclusion, client‐owned cats and dogs living in East and Southeast Asia countries are exposed to vector‐borne pathogens with fleas from cats playing a key role in Bartonella spp. transmission, thus posing a high risk of infection for humans sharing the same environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Attia Koraney Zarea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Viet-Linh Nguyen
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Lenaig Halos
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Lyon, France.,Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Maria Tempesta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Grazia Greco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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Hartmann K, Möstl K, Lloret A, Thiry E, Addie DD, Belák S, Boucraut-Baralon C, Egberink H, Frymus T, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Lutz H, Marsilio F, Pennisi MG, Tasker S, Truyen U, Hosie MJ. Vaccination of Immunocompromised Cats. Viruses 2022; 14:v14050923. [PMID: 35632665 PMCID: PMC9147348 DOI: 10.3390/v14050923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunocompromise is a common condition in cats, especially due to widespread infections with immunosuppressive viruses, such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), but also due to chronic non-infectious diseases, such as tumours, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease, as well as treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, such as glucocorticoids, cyclosporins, or tumour chemotherapy. In this review, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), a scientifically independent board of experts in feline medicine from eleven European countries, discusses the current knowledge and rationale for vaccination of immunocompromised cats. So far, there are few data available on vaccination of immunocompromised cats, and sometimes studies produce controversial results. Thus, this guideline summarizes the available scientific studies and fills in the gaps with expert opinion, where scientific studies are missing. Ultimately, this review aims to help veterinarians with their decision-making in how best to vaccinate immunocompromised cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Karin Möstl
- Institute of Virology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Albert Lloret
- Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Etienne Thiry
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, 4000 Liège, Belgium;
| | - Diane D. Addie
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Sándor Belák
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health (BVF), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | | | - Herman Egberink
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Tadeusz Frymus
- Department of Small Animal Diseases with Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (H.L.)
| | - Hans Lutz
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (H.L.)
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Séverine Tasker
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK;
- Linnaeus Veterinary Ltd., Shirley, Solihull B90 4BN, UK
| | - Uwe Truyen
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- MRC—University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
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Nury C, Blais MC, Arsenault J. Risk of transmittable blood-borne pathogens in blood units from blood donor dogs in Canada. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:1316-1324. [PMID: 33960531 PMCID: PMC8162595 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine blood donors can be infected by various vector‐borne or other pathogens that could be an important cause of morbidity and death in transfusion recipients. Hypothesis/Objectives To estimate and predict positivity to transmittable blood‐borne pathogens in blood units collected from blood donor dogs in Canada. Animals Six thousand one hundred and fifty blood units from 1914 active blood donors registered to the Canadian Animal Blood Bank (CABB) between March 2010 and December 2016. Methods A registry‐based retrospective study. Blood units were screened by SNAP 4Dx/4Dx Plus and PCR panel tests. Information on blood donors and test results were extracted from multiple databases and collated. Logistic regressions were used to predict blood unit positivity. Results Of 1779 blood units, 0.56% were antibody‐positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum/platys and 0% for Ehrlichia canis/ewingii. After exclusion of antibody‐positive units to Anaplasma spp., 1.1% of 6140 blood units were PCR‐positive to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Brucella canis, “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum,” Mycoplasma haemocanis, or a combination of these pathogens. Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Leishmania spp. were not detected. Units from the first blood collection from a dog had higher odds of testing PCR‐positive (P < .001) for at least 1 pathogen than units from subsequent collections. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Although our study indicates a low probability of detecting blood‐borne pathogen in blood units collected by this Canadian blood bank, the presence of positive units highlights the importance of the preemptive identification and screening of blood units from healthy blood donors for safe blood banking, especially in first‐time donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Nury
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Blais
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Julie Arsenault
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
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Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Stray Dogs and Rhipicephalussanguineus sensu lato Ticks from Bangkok, Thailand. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050561. [PMID: 34066526 PMCID: PMC8148546 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine tick-borne pathogens (CTBPs) such as Babesia vogeli, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Hepatozoon canis, and Mycoplasma haemocanis are important pathogens in dogs worldwide. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, the main vector of several CTBPs, is the most common tick species found on dogs in Thailand. The present study identified CTBPs in dogs and ticks infested dogs. Samples (360 dog blood samples and 85 individual ticks) were collected from stray dogs residing in 37 temples from 24 districts in Bangkok and screened for CTBPs using molecular techniques. The most common CTBP found infecting dogs in this study was Ehrlichia canis (38.3%) followed by Mycoplasma haemocanis (34.2%), Hepatozoon canis (19.7%), Babesia vogeli (18.1%), and Anaplasma platys (13.9%), respectively. Furthermore, A. platys (22.4%) was the most common CTBP in ticks followed by M. haemocanis (18.8%), B. vogeli (9.4%), H. canis (5.9%), and E. canis (2.4%), respectively. The detection of CTBPs from the present study highlights the potential risk of infections that may occur in stray dogs and their ticks residing in Bangkok temples. These findings underline the importance of performing active surveys to understand the complexity of distributions of CTBPs in dogs and their ticks in Thailand.
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Alcorn K, Gerrard J, Cochrane T, Graham R, Jennison A, Irwin PJ, Barbosa AD. First Report of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemohominis Infection in Australia Causing Persistent Fever in an Animal Carer. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:634-640. [PMID: 32006025 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) infect animals and humans and can lead to clinical syndromes mainly characterized by hemolytic anemia. A novel pathogen, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemohominis, was recently associated with a case of human hemoplasmosis in Europe. Here we report the first detection of this pathogen in an Australian patient exhibiting persistent fever, hemolytic anemia, and pancytopenia over a 10-month period. METHODS After exhaustive negative testing for human infectious diseases, whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on the patient's bone marrow aspirate, using an Illumina NextSeq500 platform. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by Sanger sequencing, was then performed on blood samples using novel Mycoplasma-specific primers targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. In addition, a Mycoplasma-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay was developed to differentiate Mycoplasma cells from other erythrocyte inclusions (eg, Pappenheimer and Howell-Jolly bodies) which are morphologically similar to bacterial cocci by light microscopy. RESULTS WGS analysis revealed that approximately 0.04% of the total number of unmapped reads to human genome corresponded to Mycoplasma species. A 1-kb Mycoplasma 16S fragment was successfully amplified by conventional PCR, and sequence analyses revealed 100% identity with Candidatus Mycoplasma haemohominis. FISH confirmed that several (approximately 2%) epierythrocytic inclusions initially observed by light microscopy corresponded to Mycoplasma cells. CONCLUSIONS This represents the second report of hemolytic anemia associated with hemoplasma infection in a human, and the first report of human hemoplasmosis in Australia. This study highlights the importance of new and emerging diagnostic approaches and need for further investigations on the epidemiology of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemohominis in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie Alcorn
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Gold Coast Health Service, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - John Gerrard
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Gold Coast Health Service, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Tara Cochrane
- Department of Haematology, Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffiths University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Rikki Graham
- Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Department of Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Amy Jennison
- Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Department of Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Peter J Irwin
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia.,CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasília, Brazil
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Retief L, Bennett NC, Bastos ADS. Molecular detection and characterization of novel haemotropic Mycoplasma in free-living mole rats from South Africa. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 89:104739. [PMID: 33535089 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The importance of haemotropic Mycoplasma (haemoplasma) infections to animal and human health is increasingly recognised. Although wild rodents are known to host these bacteria, haemoplasma prevalence and diversity in small mammals is under-documented, globally. This is due to the reliance on molecular approaches to detect these unculturable, obligate bacteria and to a paucity of assays targeting informative gene regions. We attempted to address these challenges by evaluating the performance of three 16S rRNA PCR assays for detecting Mycoplasma in four African mole-rat species of the family Bathyergidae. This was achieved by screening DNA samples prepared from lung and liver samples of 260 bathyergids, sampled from natural and urban landscapes in the Western Cape Province with one published and two novel conventional PCR assays. Sequence-confirmed Mycoplasma presence guided calculations of the relative sensitivity and specificity of the assays and revealed that 26.5% of the rodents were haemoplasma-positive. Bathyergus suillus sampled near an informal human settlement had a significantly higher infection rate (42%) than the three bathyergid species sampled from natural settings, for which PCR-positivity ranged from 0% to 36%. The 16S rRNA gene phylogeny identified the presence of six Mycoplasma strains in bathyergids that form a novel monophyletic lineage belonging to the haemofelis group, with 16S rRNA and Rnase P gene phylogenies indicating that the bathyergid-associated haemoplasmas were novel and closely related to Mycoplasma coccoides. Assay sensitivity ranged from 60.3% to 76.8% and specificity from 94.8% to 100% and both were highest for the novel assay targeting a ~ 300 bp region of the 16S rRNA gene. Results confirm the presence of novel haemoplasma strains in bathyergid species from South Africa and emphasise the need for expanded studies on haemoplama prevalence, diversity, and transmission routes in other small mammal species from this biodiverse region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liezl Retief
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Nigel C Bennett
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; South African Research Chair of Mammal Behavioural Ecology and Physiology, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Armanda D S Bastos
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa.
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Barbosa MV, Paulino PG, Camilo TA, Martins D, Paulis L, Senne NA, Ramirez OLH, Angelo IC, Massard CL, Santos HA. Spatial distribution and molecular epidemiology of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Mycoplasma haemocanis infection in dogs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 87:104660. [PMID: 33276147 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the epidemiology and spatial distribution of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Mycoplasma haemocanis in dogs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Blood samples were collected at random from 437 household dogs. An epidemiological questionnaire was completed concerning the host characteristics as well as the environments in which they lived. A positivity frequency of 17.84% (78/437) was found for Mycoplasma spp. and 2% (9/437) for M. haemocanis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, through molecular detection based on the 16S rRNA sequence. According to the present study, dogs that live in households with the presence of rodents (odds ratio [OR] = 9.93; p-value = 0.02; confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-73.66) and wild animals (OR = 1.91; p-value = 0.03; CI: 1.06-3.42) are more likely to be infected with Mycoplasma spp.. Also, dogs with tick infestation (OR = 6.47; p-value = 0.007; CI: 1.63-25.60) have more chances to become infected with M. haemocanis. The spatial analysis disclosed a positive correlation between the Mycoplasma presence and tick infestation (global Moran index = 0.82; pseudo-p-value =0.001). The epidemiological findings support the hypothesis of Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. as the vector of M. haemocanis in the studied region and provide insightful information to prevent the Mycoplasma spp. infection in dogs from Rio de Janeiro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marllon V Barbosa
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia G Paulino
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tays A Camilo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Débora Martins
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leo Paulis
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nathália A Senne
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Olga Lucia H Ramirez
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Isabele C Angelo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos L Massard
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Huarrisson A Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil.
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11
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Oren A, Garrity GM, Parker CT, Chuvochina M, Trujillo ME. Lists of names of prokaryotic Candidatus taxa. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2020; 70:3956-4042. [DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.003789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 782] [Impact Index Per Article: 195.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We here present annotated lists of names of Candidatus taxa of prokaryotes with ranks between subspecies and class, proposed between the mid-1990s, when the provisional status of Candidatus taxa was first established, and the end of 2018. Where necessary, corrected names are proposed that comply with the current provisions of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes and its Orthography appendix. These lists, as well as updated lists of newly published names of Candidatus taxa with additions and corrections to the current lists to be published periodically in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, may serve as the basis for the valid publication of the Candidatus names if and when the current proposals to expand the type material for naming of prokaryotes to also include gene sequences of yet-uncultivated taxa is accepted by the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aharon Oren
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, 9190401 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - George M. Garrity
- NamesforLife, LLC, PO Box 769, Okemos MI 48805-0769, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Biomedical Physical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-4320, USA
| | | | - Maria Chuvochina
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Martha E. Trujillo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
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Lashnits E, Grant S, Thomas B, Qurollo B, Breitschwerdt EB. Evidence for vertical transmission of Mycoplasma haemocanis, but not Ehrlichia ewingii, in a dog. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:1747-1752. [PMID: 31127669 PMCID: PMC6639480 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A 2-year-old female intact pregnant Beagle was evaluated after the owner surrendered her to a shelter. Prepartum and 2 months postpartum at the time of routine spay, the dam was whole-blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive for Ehrlichia ewingii. She was also whole-blood PCR positive for Mycoplasma haemocanis prepartum and continuously for 5 months thereafter. The dam delivered 5 healthy puppies, 1 of which was whole-blood PCR positive for M. haemocanis. All 5 puppies had antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. at 1 month of age but not thereafter, and all puppies were Ehrlichia spp. PCR negative for 5 months of follow-up. Therefore, this study supports a potential role for vertical transmission in the maintenance of M. haemocanis in dogs as reservoir hosts. In contrast, in this case there was no evidence that E. ewingii was transmitted transplacentally or during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Lashnits
- Comparative Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Sandra Grant
- Lake Wheeler Veterinary HospitalVeterinary Services Department, RaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Brittany Thomas
- Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic LaboratoryCollege of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Barbara Qurollo
- Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic LaboratoryCollege of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic LaboratoryCollege of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
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Aktas M, Ozubek S. A molecular survey of hemoplasmas in domestic dogs from Turkey. Vet Microbiol 2018; 221:94-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Happi AN, Toepp AJ, Ugwu CA, Petersen CA, Sykes JE. Detection and identification of blood-borne infections in dogs in Nigeria using light microscopy and the polymerase chain reaction. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 11:55-60. [PMID: 31014619 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Many sick dogs brought to the University of Ibadan Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UIVTH) are infested with ticks and are anemic. Up until recently, light microscopy (LM) has been the only available means used for detection of blood-borne infections. In other parts of the world, PCR-based assays been used as a gold standard for accurate diagnosis of blood-borne infections. In this study, we used LM and broad-spectrum rRNA gene PCR-based assays on 116 blood samples from dogs brought to the UIVTH for detection of the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia and the 16S rRNA genes of Ehrlichia and hemotropic mycoplasmas. The relationship between clinicopathological findings and PCR results was evaluated. Age, sex, presence of ticks, anemia, co-infection status, and fever were also assessed in relation to PCR positivity to determine the risk factors using stepwise logistic regression analyses. Light microscopic examination revealed an overall prevalence of infection of 14.7% (17/116). Organisms detected were Babesia canis (3.5%), Ehrlichia canis (10.3%) and Trypanosoma congolense (0.9%) and a single co-infection with Babesia canis and Ehrlichia canis (0.9%). PCR analysis revealed 89/116 (76.7%) positive samples. Infections with 1, 2 and 3 infectious agents occurred in 49 (55.1%), 36 (40.4%) and 4 (4.5%) samples, respectively. Specifically, among the 89 PCR positive samples, Babesia spp. (85.4%) was the most abundant infection followed by Ehrlichia spp. (46.1%) and hemoplasmas (13.5%). Sequencing of PCR products identified two samples (1.7%) that contained Hepatozoon canis DNA. Sequencing of hemoplasma positive samples identified 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' in 0.8% of dogs. Using PCR, a 5-fold higher prevalence of blood-borne infections was found in the dogs (76.7%, 89/116) than with LM (14.7%, 17/116) alone" Dogs between 1 and 12months were the most frequently infected with multiple agents (47.2% double and 50.0% triple infections). Male dogs had the highest prevalence of infection (80.4%) and more triple infections (75.0%). A total of 57.3% of infected dogs were anemic. Anemic dogs were 2.77 times more likely to test positive for Ehrlichia spp. (OR: 2.77 95% CI: 1.25-6.16) and dogs with ticks were 3.6 times more likely to test positive for hemoplasmas (OR=3.60 95% CI: 1.05-12.38). This study underscores the abundance of blood-borne infections in dogs in Ibadan, Nigeria, which is underestimated using light microscopy. This is also the first evidence of existence of 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' in a dog in Nigeria and in Africa. Consequently there is a need for molecular diagnostic facilities for routine screening of sick animals, as multiple infections were not found by light microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anise N Happi
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Angela J Toepp
- College of Public Health, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - C A Ugwu
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Christine A Petersen
- College of Public Health, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jane E Sykes
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Koneval M, Miterpáková M, Hurníková Z, Blaňarová L, Víchová B. Neglected intravascular pathogens, Babesia vulpes and haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in European red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) population. Vet Parasitol 2017; 243:176-182. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Cubilla MP, Santos LC, de Moraes W, Cubas ZS, Leutenegger CM, Estrada M, Lindsay LL, Trindade ES, Franco CRC, Vieira RF, Biondo AW, Sykes JE. Microscopic and molecular identification of hemotropic mycoplasmas in South American coatis (Nasua nasua). Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 53:19-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Bouzouraa T, Cadore JL, Chene J, Goy-Thollot I, Ponce F, Chalvet-Monfray K, Rannou B, Chabanne L. Implication, clinical and biological impact of vector-borne haemopathogens in anaemic dogs in France: a prospective study. J Small Anim Pract 2017; 58:510-518. [PMID: 28543264 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To prospectively describe the clinical and biological impact of vector-borne haemopathogens in anaemic dogs in France and occurrence of haemolysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective descriptive cohort study includes 134 client-owned dogs that were anaemic on admission at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of VetAgro Sup, Lyon, France. They underwent comprehensive screening with PCR to detect a panel of vector-borne haemopathogens, SNAP Leishmania and SNAP 4Dx Plus (IDEXX). RESULTS Vector-borne haemopathogen-associated anaemia accounted for 17·2% (23/134) of anaemic cases. PCR for Babesia species, Mycoplasma species, Anaplasma platys or Ehrlichia canis and positive serology for Leishmania species, occurred in 11/23, 10/23, 2/23, 1/23 and 1/23 cases, respectively. Two dogs had positive PCR for both Babesia and Mycoplasma species. All dogs infected with Mycoplasma species alone had neoplastic disease. Vector-borne haemopathogens were the second most common cause of haemolysis (7/23, 30·4%). In the multivariable regression model, males were overrepresented ( OR : 2·82, P=0·03) and haemolysis ( OR : 3·31, P=0·01) was more frequent in dogs with vector-born haemopathogen-associated anaemia. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Vector-borne haemopathogens are a common cause of anaemia in this geographical region.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Bouzouraa
- Department of Companion Animal, Internal Medicine Unit, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup - Campus Vétérinaire, 1 avenue Bourgelat, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - J L Cadore
- Department of Companion Animal, Internal Medicine Unit, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup - Campus Vétérinaire, 1 avenue Bourgelat, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - J Chene
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup - Campus Vétérinaire, 1 avenue Bourgelat, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - I Goy-Thollot
- Intensive Care Unit (SIAMU), Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup - Campus Vétérinaire, 1 avenue Bourgelat, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - F Ponce
- Oncology Unit, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup - Campus Vétérinaire, 1 avenue Bourgelat, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - K Chalvet-Monfray
- Department of Biostatistics, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup - Campus Vétérinaire, 1 avenue Bourgelat, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France.,Unité d'Épidémiologie Animale (EpiA, UR 0346), INRA Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Route de Theix, 63122, Saint Genès Champanelle, France
| | - B Rannou
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup - Campus Vétérinaire, 1 avenue Bourgelat, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - L Chabanne
- Unité d'Épidémiologie Animale (EpiA, UR 0346), INRA Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Route de Theix, 63122, Saint Genès Champanelle, France
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Wang X, Cui Y, Zhang Y, Shi K, Yan Y, Jian F, Zhang L, Wang R, Ning C. Molecular characterization of hemotropic mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma ovis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemovis') in sheep and goats in China. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:142. [PMID: 28549435 PMCID: PMC5446696 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1062-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are emerging zoonotic pathogens with a worldwide distribution that can cause mild to severe hemolytic anemia, icterus, ill-thrift, infertility, and poor weight gain. However, understanding of the molecular epidemiology of hemoplasmas (Mycoplasma ovis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemovis') is limited in sheep and goats, and the hemoplasma strain/species/variant 'Candidatus M. haemovis' was poorly studied throughout the world and had never been detected in China until now. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the molecular prevalence of hemoplasmas, including M. ovis and 'Candidatus M. haemovis' in sheep and goats from seven provinces and one autonomous region of China. METHODS A total of 1364 blood samples were collected from sheep and goats in seven provinces and one autonomous region of China. All blood samples were tested for hemoplasmas (M. ovis and 'Candidatus M. haemovis') by nested PCR amplification based on 16S rRNA gene. Positive specimens underwent nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS Overall, 610 specimens (44.7%, 610/1364) were shown to be hemoplasmas (M. ovis and 'Candidatus M. haemovis') -positive by nested PCR amplification based on 16S rRNA gene. The prevalence in goats was 44.1% (379/860), and 45.8% (231/504) in sheep, while that in grazing small ruminants was 54.4% (396/728) and 33.6% (214/636) in house feeding small ruminants. Sequencing of the nearly complete 16S rRNA gene was successful for the 103 randomly selected positive specimens from different farms in different sampling sites of China. Among them, analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences identified M. ovis (n = 56) and 'Candidatus M. haemovis' (n = 47). Two (KU983740 and KU983746) of the four novel genotypes obtained in this study were closely related to M. ovis, while the other two genotypes (KU983748 and KU983749) had high identity with 'Candidatus M. haemovis'. Remarkably, the genotype (KU983740) of M. ovis in sheep and goats in this study fell in a clade with two human hemoplasmas from USA (KF313922 and GU230144) and shared 99.8%-99.9% with them. CONCLUSIONS In this study, 'Candidatus M. haemovis' was first detected in Chinese sheep and goats and hemoplasmas (M. ovis and 'Candidatus M. haemovis') are highly prevalent, and widely distributed in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxing Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Cui
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Shi
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaqun Yan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China
| | - Fuchun Jian
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China
| | - Rongjun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China
| | - Changshen Ning
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China
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Cubilla MP, Santos LC, de Moraes W, Cubas ZS, Leutenegger CM, Estrada M, Vieira RFC, Soares MJ, Lindsay LL, Sykes JE, Biondo AW. Occurrence of hemotropic mycoplasmas in non-human primates (Alouatta caraya, Sapajus nigritus and Callithrix jacchus) of southern Brazil. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 52:6-13. [PMID: 28673463 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Hemoplasmas, the erythrocyte-associated mycoplasmas, have been detected in several primates, causing mostly subclinical infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hemoplasma infection in captive and free-ranging monkeys from southern Brazil, as well as factors and hematological abnormalities associated with infection. Blood samples from 40 non-human primates (NHP) were tested for hemoplasmas and coinfections. An overall of 10/40 (25.0%) NHP tested positive for hemoplasmas using PCR-based assays, including 9/14 (64.3%) black howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) and 1/24 (4.2%) black-horned capuchin (Sapajus nigritus). Infection was not statistically associated with anemia, but wild-born monkeys and male black howler monkeys were more likely to be positive when compared with captive-born animals and female black howler monkeys, respectively. The sequences from the black howler monkey hemoplasma were similar (94% identity) to the squirrel monkey hemoplasma ("Candidatus Mycoplasma kahanei") and were phylogenetically located in a different cluster when compared to the human hemoplasma ("Candidatus Mycoplasma haemohominis").
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle P Cubilla
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Parana, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, s/n., Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil; Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary, Itaipu Binacional, R. Teresina, 62, Foz do Iguacu, PR 85866-900, Brazil.
| | - Leonilda C Santos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Parana, R. dos Funcionarios, 1540, Curitiba, PR 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Wanderlei de Moraes
- Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary, Itaipu Binacional, R. Teresina, 62, Foz do Iguacu, PR 85866-900, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Parana, R. dos Funcionarios, 1540, Curitiba, PR 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Zalmir S Cubas
- Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary, Itaipu Binacional, R. Teresina, 62, Foz do Iguacu, PR 85866-900, Brazil
| | | | - Marko Estrada
- IDEXX Laboratories Inc., 2825 KOVR Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95605, USA
| | - Rafael F C Vieira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Parana, R. dos Funcionarios, 1540, Curitiba, PR 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Maurilio J Soares
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Instituto Carlos Chagas/Fiocruz, Curitiba PR, 81350-010, Brazil
| | - LeAnn L Lindsay
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 2108 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Jane E Sykes
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 2108 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Alexander W Biondo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Parana, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, s/n., Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Parana, R. dos Funcionarios, 1540, Curitiba, PR 80035-050, Brazil
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Kaewmongkol G, Lukkana N, Yangtara S, Kaewmongkol S, Thengchaisri N, Sirinarumitr T, Jittapalapong S, Fenwick SG. Association of Ehrlichia canis, Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Anaplasma platys and severe anemia in dogs in Thailand. Vet Microbiol 2017; 201:195-200. [PMID: 28284610 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Canine tick-borne bacteria; Ehrlichia canis, hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Anaplasma spp., are organisms transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. However, only a few clinical studies evaluating dogs infected with these organisms and anemia condition have been published. In this study, the potential tick-borne bacteria linked to anemia were investigated in eighty-one blood samples selected from anemic dogs using a broad range nested-PCR of the 16S rRNA gene. Positive results were shown in 12/81 blood specimens (14.81%). Nucleotide sequences from the PCR products were analyzed using BLAST and resulted in identification of Ehrlichia canis (8), Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (1) and Anaplasma platys (3). Two other PCR assays were used to detect and identify the positive results of these pathogens including a specific PCR for Ehrlichia canis (gp36) and a specific nested-PCR for hemoplasma species (16S rRNA) and the phylogenetic analyses of E. canis and canine hemoplasmas were performed using these two loci. These specific PCRs revealed co-infection of E. canis and Mycoplasma haemocanis in two cases. These two male dogs had presented with jaundice, severe hemolytic anemia, severe thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, mild azotemia and hepatitis. Ehrlichia canis was detected in a significantly greater number of severe anemia cases (PCV<15%) than moderate or mild anemia cases (PCV 16-29%) (P<0.05) and these severe anemia cases were 7-fold more at risk of having E. canis infections (odds ratio: 7.11, p=0.020). However, no statistical differences were detected between E. canis detection and degrees of thrombocytopenia or leukopenia. From the results of this study, we conclude that the severity of anemia is associated with E. canis infections rather than the severity of thrombocytopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunn Kaewmongkol
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Nicha Lukkana
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sarawut Yangtara
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | - Stanley G Fenwick
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, USA
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Soto F, Walker R, Sepulveda M, Bittencourt P, Acosta-Jamett G, Müller A. Occurrence of canine hemotropic mycoplasmas in domestic dogs from urban and rural areas of the Valdivia Province, southern Chile. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 50:70-77. [PMID: 28131382 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This is the first study to investigate the occurrence, risk factors and hematological findings of hemoplasmas in dogs from Chile. Complete blood count and 16S rRNA conventional PCR for Mycoplasma spp. were performed in 278 blood samples from rural (n=139) and urban (n=139) dogs in Valdivia. Real time 16S rRNA PCR (qPCR) allowed species identification. Mycoplasma spp. occurrence was 24.8%. 'Candidatus M. haematoparvum' (CMhp) was identified in 12.2% and Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) in 11.9% dogs. It was not possible to identify species in two Mycoplasma spp. samples by qPCR. Sequencing allowed identifying one of them as 'Candidatus M. turicensis' (CMt). Frequency in rural localities was higher (41.7%) than in urban (7.9%). Rural locality, maleness and older age were risk factors for hemoplasmosis. Hemoplasma-positive dogs had a higher total protein. This is the first report of Mhc, CMhp and CMt in dogs from Chile, with a high occurrence in rural localities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Soto
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Romina Walker
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Maximiliano Sepulveda
- Gerencia de Áreas Silvestres Protegidas, Corporación Nacional Forestal, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Pedro Bittencourt
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Gerardo Acosta-Jamett
- Institute of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Applied Research Program on Wildlife, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Ananda Müller
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
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Development of RFLP-PCR and simple multiplex PCR assays for detection and differentiation of two species of hemotropic mycoplasmas in naturally infected dogs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-016-2272-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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23
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Aquino LC, Kamani J, Haruna AM, Paludo GR, Hicks CA, Helps CR, Tasker S. Analysis of risk factors and prevalence of haemoplasma infection in dogs. Vet Parasitol 2016; 221:111-7. [PMID: 27084481 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' (CMhp) are canine haemoplasma species that can induce anaemia in immunocompromised and/or splenectomised dogs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and phylogeny of canine haemoplasma species in dogs from Nigeria and describe any risk factors for infection. Canine haemoplasma species-specific and generic haemoplasma qPCR assays were used. The species-specific qPCR assays found Mhc infection in 18 of 245 dogs (7.3%), and CMhp infection in only one dog (0.4%). The generic haemoplasma qPCR assays were positive in 44 of 245 (17.9%) dogs. Twenty-five dogs had discordant qPCR results in that they were generic haemoplasma qPCR positive but species-specific qPCR negative. Further evaluation of these dogs by 16S rDNA sequencing gave limited results but 5 were confirmed to be infected with non-haemoplasma species: 2 Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 1 Anaplasma ovis, 1 Serratia marcescens and 1 Aerococcus spp. The 16S rRNA gene sequences from Mhc species showed>99.8% identity with each other and>99.6% identity with GenBank sequences, and resided in a single clade with other global Mhc and Mycoplasma haemofelis sequences, indicating low 16S rRNA genetic variability amongst this canine haemoplasma species.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Aquino
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 709010-900, Brazil.
| | - J Kamani
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - A M Haruna
- State Veterinary Hospital Jos, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - G R Paludo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 709010-900, Brazil
| | - C A Hicks
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - C R Helps
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Veterinary Services, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - S Tasker
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Veterinary Services, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
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Identification, occurrence and clinical findings of canine hemoplasmas in southern Brazil. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 37:259-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Mascarelli PE, Keel MK, Yabsley M, Last LA, Breitschwerdt EB, Maggi RG. Hemotropic mycoplasmas in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus). Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:117. [PMID: 24655520 PMCID: PMC3994326 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hemotropic mycoplasmas are epicellular erythrocytic bacteria that can cause infectious anemia in some mammalian species. Worldwide, hemotropic mycoplasmas are emerging or re-emerging zoonotic pathogens potentially causing serious and significant health problems in wildlife. The objective of this study was to determine the molecular prevalence of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) with and without Pseudogymnoascus (Geomyces) destrucans, the causative agent of white nose syndrome (WNS) that causes significant mortality events in bats. Methods In order to establish the prevalence of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in a population of 68 little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) with (n = 53) and without (n = 15) white-nose syndrome (WNS), PCR was performed targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Results The overall prevalence of hemotropic Mycoplasmas in bats was 47%, with similar (p = 0.5725) prevalence between bats with WNS (49%) and without WNS (40%). 16S rDNA sequence analysis (~1,200 bp) supports the presence of a novel hemotropic Mycoplasma species with 91.75% sequence homology with Mycoplasma haemomuris. No differences were found in gene sequences generated from WNS and non-WNS animals. Conclusions Gene sequences generated from WNS and non-WNS animals suggest that little brown bats could serve as a natural reservoir for this potentially novel Mycoplasma species. Currently, there is minimal information about the prevalence, host-specificity, or the route of transmission of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. among bats. Finally, the potential role of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. as co-factors in the development of disease manifestations in bats, including WNS in Myotis lucifugus, remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ricardo G Maggi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.
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Cabello J, Altet L, Napolitano C, Sastre N, Hidalgo E, Dávila JA, Millán J. Survey of infectious agents in the endangered Darwin's fox (Lycalopex fulvipes): High prevalence and diversity of hemotrophic mycoplasmas. Vet Microbiol 2013; 167:448-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Martínez-Díaz VL, Silvestre-Ferreira AC, Vilhena H, Pastor J, Francino O, Altet L. Prevalence and co-infection of haemotropic mycoplasmas in Portuguese cats by real-time polymerase chain reaction. J Feline Med Surg 2013; 15:879-85. [PMID: 23482254 PMCID: PMC11383145 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x13480985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of feline haemoplasmosis has improved over the years, with several techniques enabling a clear and specific diagnosis, and where polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is considered as the 'gold standard'. The aim of this study was to survey the prevalence of feline haemoplasmas in 320 cats from the north-central region of Portugal by the use of real-time PCR, as well as to evaluate any associations between infection, clinical presentation and risk factors. The overall prevalence of infection by feline haemoplasmas was 43.43% (139/320), where 41.56% (133/320) corresponded to Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm), 12.81% (41/320) to Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), 4.38% (14/320) to Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and 1.25% (4/320) to Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis. Almost 13% (47/320) of the samples were co-infected, with the most common co-infection being CMhm and Mhf (23.74%). Infection was found statistically significant with feline immunodeficiency/feline leukaemia virus status (P = 0.034), but no significant association was found for breed, sex, fertility status (neutered/spayed/entire), age, clinical status, living conditions (in/outdoor), anaemia status, or the presence/absence of ticks or fleas. Cats from north-central Portugal are infected with all the known feline haemoplasma species, with CMhm being the most common one. Prevalence of all feline haemoplasmas was higher than that reported previously in cats from other European countries, but similar to that described in Portugal for dogs. These data provide a better perspective regarding Mycoplasma species infection in Europe, and new information that helps us better understand feline haemoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica L Martínez-Díaz
- 1Department of Animal and Food Science, Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
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Maggi RG, Chitwood MC, Kennedy-Stoskopf S, DePerno CS. Novel hemotropic Mycoplasma species in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 36:607-11. [PMID: 24018179 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Globally, hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. are emerging or re-emerging zoonotic pathogens that affect livestock, wildlife, companion animals, and humans, potentially causing serious and economically important disease problems. Little is known about hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. prevalence, host-specificity, or route of transmission in most species, including wildlife. DNA amplification by PCR targeting the 16SrRNA and the RNaseP genes was used to establish the presence and prevalence of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in a white-tailed deer (O. virginianus) population in eastern North Carolina. Sixty-five deer (89%) tested positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. where sequence analysis of the 16SsRNA and the RNaseP genes indicated the presence of at least three distinct species. This study represents the first detection of three distinct hemotropic Mycoplasma species in white-tailed deer and the first report of two novel hemotropic Mycoplasma species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo G Maggi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.
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Infection with hemotropic Mycoplasma species in patients with or without extensive arthropod or animal contact. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 51:3237-41. [PMID: 23863574 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01125-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PCR amplification targeting the 16S rRNA gene was used to test individuals with and without extensive arthropod and animal contact for the possibility of hemotropic mycoplasma infection. The prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasma infection (4.7%) was significantly greater in previously reported cohorts of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, spouses of veterinary professionals, and others with extensive arthropod exposure and/or frequent animal contact than in a previously reported cohort of patients examined by a rheumatologist because of chronic joint pain or evidence of small-vessel disease (0.7%). Based upon DNA sequence analysis, a Mycoplasma ovis-like species was the most prevalent organism detected; however, infection with "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum" and a potentially novel, but incompletely characterized, hemotropic Mycoplasma species was also documented. Historical exposure to animals and arthropod vectors that can harbor hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. should be considered during epidemiological investigations and in the evaluation of individual patients.
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Maggi RG, Mascarelli PE, Havenga LN, Naidoo V, Breitschwerdt EB. Co-infection with Anaplasma platys, Bartonella henselae and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in a veterinarian. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:103. [PMID: 23587235 PMCID: PMC3637287 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During a two year period, a 27-year-old female veterinarian experienced migraine headaches, seizures, including status epilepticus, and other neurological and neurocognitive abnormalities. Prior to and during her illness, she had been actively involved in hospital-based work treating domestic animals, primarily cats and dogs, in Grenada and Ireland and anatomical research requiring the dissection of wild animals (including lions, giraffe, rabbits, mongoose, and other animals), mostly in South Africa. The woman reported contact with fleas, ticks, lice, biting flies, mosquitoes, spiders and mites and had also been scratched or bitten by dogs, cats, birds, horses, reptiles, rabbits and rodents. Prior diagnostic testing resulted in findings that were inconclusive or within normal reference ranges and no etiological diagnosis had been obtained to explain the patient's symptoms. METHODS PCR assays targeting Anaplasma sp. Bartonella sp. and hemotopic Mycoplasma sp. were used to test patient blood samples. PCR positive amplicons were sequenced directly and compared to Gen Bank sequences. In addition, Bartonella alpha Proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) enrichment blood culture was used to facilitate bacterial growth and Bartonella spp. serology was performed by indirect fluorescent antibody testing. RESULTS Anaplasma platys, Bartonella henselae and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum DNA was amplified and sequenced from the woman's blood, serum or blood culture samples. Her serum was variably seroreactive to several Bartonella sp. antigens. Despite symptomatic improvement, six months of doxycycline most likely failed to eliminate the B. henselae infection, whereas A. platys and Candidatus M. haematoparvum DNA was no longer amplified from post-treatment samples. CONCLUSIONS As is typical of many veterinary professionals, this individual had frequent exposure to arthropod vectors and near daily contact with persistently bacteremic reservoir hosts, including cats, the primary reservoir host for B. henselae, and dogs, the presumed primary reservoir host for A. platys and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum. Physicians caring for veterinarians should be aware of the occupational zoonotic risks associated with the daily activities of these animal health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo G Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
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"Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomacaque" and Bartonella quintana bacteremia in cynomolgus monkeys. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 51:1408-11. [PMID: 23408694 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.03019-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report latent infections with Bartonella quintana and a hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. in a research colony of cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). Sequence alignments, evolutionary analysis, and signature nucleotide sequence motifs of the hemotropic Mycoplasma 16S rRNA and RNase P genes indicate the presence of a novel organism.
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Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and Mycoplasma haemocanis infections in dogs from the United States. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 35:557-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2012.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Occurrence of hemotrophic mycoplasmas in horses with correlation to hematological findings. Vet Microbiol 2012; 160:43-52. [PMID: 22664221 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 05/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hemotrophic mycoplasmas (HM) are small, cell wall-less bacteria and infections are known for a wide range of animals. One possible indication of equine HM infection was given in 1978, when a 'haemobartonellosis' outbreak was diagnosed in Nigerian horses by microscopy. However the first molecular proof of HM in horses was not reported until 2010, when a fragment of about 900 bp of the 16S rRNA of the equine HM was obtained. This sequence was used for the development of a SYBR green I real-time PCR assay specific for equine HM. The lower detection limit of the PCR was ten 16S rDNA copy numbers per ml of blood. The newly designed assay was successfully applied for the detection and quantification of HM in horses in Germany. A high sample prevalence of 26.5% (95% CI: 18.8-35.5%) was found (31 out of 117 horses). The mean bacterial load was 1.10×10(6) 16S rDNA copy number/ml blood (range: minimum 1.05×10(3), maximum 1.27×10(7)). Equine HM were also detected by microscopy (Giemsa and acridine orange stained blood smears), but results do not correlate very well with PCR results, as microscopy proved rather unspecific and not sensitive. In horses younger than one year, a significant correlation between PCR positive status and anemia was found. No correlation was found in PCR-positive animals older than one year. Therefore we assume that HM infection has a higher clinical relevance in young animals.
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Hii SF, Kopp SR, Thompson MF, O'Leary CA, Rees RL, Traub RJ. Canine vector-borne disease pathogens in dogs from south-east Queensland and north-east Northern Territory. Aust Vet J 2012; 90:130-5. [PMID: 22443327 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2012.00898.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD: Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., haemotropic mycoplasmas and Hepatozoon) in Australian dogs; namely, dogs from pounds in south-east Queensland and an indigenous Aboriginal community in the north-east of the Northern Territory. DESIGN AND PROCEDURE Blood samples were collected from 100 pound dogs and 130 Aboriginal community dogs and screened for the CVBD pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All positive PCR products were sequenced for species confirmation. RESULTS In total, 3 pound dogs and 64 Aboriginal community dogs were infected with at least one CVBD pathogen. Overall, B. vogeli was detected in 13 dogs, A. platys in 49, M. haemocanis in 23, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in 3 and C. M. haemobos in 1 dog. Co-infections were detected in 22 Aboriginal community dogs. CONCLUSIONS This study found B. vogeli, A. platys and haemotropic mycoplasma infections to be common in dogs in subtropical and tropical areas of Australia. This study also reports for the first time the prevalence and genetic characterisation of haemotropic mycoplasmas in dogs in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Hii
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia.
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Tennant KV, Barker EN, Polizopoulou Z, Helps CR, Tasker S. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction detection of haemoplasmas in healthy and unhealthy dogs from Central Macedonia, Greece. J Small Anim Pract 2011; 52:645-9. [PMID: 22017540 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2011.01126.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of canine haemoplasmas, Mycoplasma haemocanis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum" infection in Central Macedonia, Greece, and to evaluate any associations between canine haemoplasma infection and clinical presentation, selected laboratory data or the presence of ticks. METHODS Genomic DNA was purified from excess blood (n=151) submitted for haematological examination. Purified DNA was subjected to species-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays duplexed with a canine DNA control quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Clinical records were retrospectively examined and selected clinical parameters were compared to haemoplasma infection status. RESULTS Nine samples were excluded due to inadequate canine DNA polymerase chain reaction results. Of the remaining 142 samples: eight (5·6%) were positive for M. haemocanis alone, six (4·2%) were positive for "Ca. M. haematoparvum" alone and one (0·7%) was dual positive. No association was found between haemoplasma status and age, sex, breed, health status, presence of anaemia, selected biochemistry parameters, presence of ectoparasites, routine ectoparasiticide treatment or the presence of selected tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Tennant
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU
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Tagawa M, Takeuchi T, Fujisawa T, Konno Y, Yamamoto S, Matsumoto K, Yokoyama N, Inokuma H. A clinical case of severe anemia in a sheep coinfected with Mycoplasma ovis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemovis' in Hokkaido, Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2011; 74:99-102. [PMID: 21869571 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.11-0296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A 2-year-old East Friesian sheep imported from Australia exhibited severe anemia after contagious pustular dermatitis in Hokkaido, Japan. Hemoplasma infection was confirmed in blood smears. Both Mycoplasma ovis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemovis' were detected by PCR and sequence analyses. In the epidemiological analysis, dual pathogens were detected in 6 of 12 (50.0%) sheep imported from Australia with the infected ewe at the same time, 1 of 5 (20.0%) sheep introduced from a domestic farm in Hokkaido, and in 1 of 16 (6.3%) sheep from an epidemiologically unrelated ranch. It is the first clinical case of sheep to confirm coinfection of these pathogens in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihito Tagawa
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
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Abstract
Background There are few published reports on canine Babesia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Hepatozoon and haemotropic Mycoplasma infections in India and most describe clinical disease in individual dogs, diagnosed by morphological observation of the microorganisms in stained blood smears. This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of canine tick-borne disease (TBD) pathogens using a combination of conventional and molecular diagnostic techniques in four cities in India. Results On microscopy examination, only Hepatozoon gamonts were observed in twelve out of 525 (2.3%; 95% CI: 1.2, 4) blood smears. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a total of 261 from 525 dogs (49.7%; 95% CI: 45.4, 54.1) in this study were infected with one or more canine tick-borne pathogen. Hepatozoon canis (30%; 95% CI: 26.0, 34.0) was the most common TBD pathogen found infecting dogs in India followed by Ehrlichia canis (20.6%; 95% CI: 17.2, 24.3), Mycoplasma haemocanis (12.2%; 95% CI: 9.5, 15.3), Anaplasma platys (6.5%; 95% CI: 4.5, 8.9), Babesia vogeli (5.5%, 95% CI: 3.7, 7.8) and Babesia gibsoni (0.2%, 95% CI: 0.01, 1.06). Concurrent infection with more than one TBD pathogen occurred in 39% of cases. Potential tick vectors, Rhipicephalus (most commonly) and/or Haemaphysalis ticks were found on 278 (53%) of dogs examined. Conclusions At least 6 species of canine tick-borne pathogens are present in India. Hepatozoon canis was the most common pathogen and ticks belonging to the genus Rhipicephalus were encountered most frequently. Polymerase chain reaction was more sensitive in detecting circulating pathogens compared with peripheral blood smear examination. As co-infections with canine TBD pathogens were common, Indian veterinary practitioners should be cognisant that the discovery of one such pathogen raises the potential for multiple infections which may warrant different clinical management strategies.
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Barker EN, Helps CR, Neimark H, Peters IR, Peters W, Tasker S. A novel haemoplasma species identified in archived primate blood smears. Vet Microbiol 2011; 149:478-81. [PMID: 21145673 PMCID: PMC3075546 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2010.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2010] [Revised: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In order to confirm a microscopic diagnosis of 'eperythrozoonosis' made over 40 years ago in a captive owl monkey (Aotus trivirgatus), DNA was extracted from archived fixed and stained blood smears and subjected to generic haemotropic mycoplasma (haemoplasma) quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and a human glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase qPCR as an amplification control. The qPCRs confirmed the extraction of host DNA from the samples and the presence of a haemoplasma species. Partial 16S rRNA and ribonuclease P ribosomal gene fragments were amplified by PCR, cloned and sequenced. Sequence data and phylogeny showed the owl monkey haemoplasma to lie in the haemominutum clade of haemoplasmas, most closely related to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma kahaneii'. This study confirms the use of generic haemoplasma qPCRs to successfully amplify haemoplasma DNA from fixed, stained and archived blood smears from the early 1970s and provides molecular confirmation of the existence of a novel haemoplasma species in an owl monkey, for which the name 'Candidatus Mycoplasma aoti' sp. nov. is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Barker
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, United Kingdom.
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Warman SM, Helps CR, Barker EN, Day S, Sturgess K, Day MJ, Tasker S. Haemoplasma infection is not a common cause of canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia in the UK. J Small Anim Pract 2010; 51:534-9. [PMID: 21029097 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2010.00987.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate whether the two canine haemoplasma species, Mycoplasma haemocanis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum," are commonly associated with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) in UK dogs. METHODS Three groups of dogs were recruited to the study: anaemic dogs with primary IMHA (n=37); anaemic dogs not meeting the inclusion criteria for primary IMHA (n=77) and non-anaemic dogs (n=113). DNA was extracted from 100 μl of blood and subjected to real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays for both species of Mycoplasma. Each assay incorporated co-amplification of canine glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as an endogenous internal control. RESULTS Canine GAPDH was successfully amplified by qPCR from all 227 canine blood samples but none contained M. haemocanis or "Candidatus M. haematoparvum" DNA. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Haemoplasma infection is uncommon in dogs in the UK and no evidence was found that these organisms act as triggers for IMHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Warman
- School of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU
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Development and application of a real-time TaqMan® qPCR assay for detection and quantification of ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemolamae’ in South American camelids. Vet Microbiol 2010; 146:290-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2010.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2010] [Revised: 05/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Human coinfection with Bartonella henselae and two hemotropic mycoplasma variants resembling Mycoplasma ovis. J Clin Microbiol 2010; 48:3782-5. [PMID: 20702675 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01029-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Two variants of an organism resembling the ovine hemoplasma, Mycoplasma ovis, were detected by PCR in blood samples from a veterinarian in Texas. Coinfection with similar variants has been described in sheep. This represents the first report of human infection with this organism. The veterinarian was coinfected with Bartonella henselae.
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Identification, molecular characterization, and occurrence of two bovine hemoplasma species in Swiss cattle and development of real-time TaqMan quantitative PCR assays for diagnosis of bovine hemoplasma infections. J Clin Microbiol 2010; 48:3563-8. [PMID: 20686093 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02224-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Concomitantly with an outbreak of fatal anaplasmosis in a cattle herd in Switzerland in 2002, we detected two bovine hemoplasma species in diseased animals: Mycoplasma wenyonii (formerly Eperythrozoon wenyonii) and a second, novel bovine hemoplasma species later designated "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos" (synonym, "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobovis"). The second species was characterized by a shorter 16S rRNA gene. The aims of the present study were to provide a detailed molecular characterization of this species, to develop specific quantitative real-time PCR assays for the two bovine hemoplasma species, and to apply these assays in order to evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of the hemoplasmas. Sequencing of the near-complete 16S rRNA gene of the second hemoplasma revealed that it was 94% identical to that of Mycoplasma haemofelis, an anemia-inducing feline hemoplasma species, but less than 85% identical to that of the bovine hemoplasma M. wenyonii. Using the newly developed assays, a total of 159 animals from the anaplasmosis outbreak were reexamined. In addition, we tested 57 clinically ill and 61 healthy Swiss cattle, as well as 47 calves. Both hemoplasmas were highly prevalent in adult cattle but occurred rarely in calves. Animals from the herd with the fatal anemia outbreak were more frequently infected with M. wenyonii and exhibited higher M. wenyonii blood loads than animals with unrelated diseases and healthy animals. Coinfections may increase the pathogenicity and clinical significance of bovine hemoplasmosis.
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44
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Marié JL, Shaw S, Langton D, Bourry O, Gomez J, Davoust B. Sub-clinical infection of dogs from the Ivory Coast and Gabon with Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Mycoplasma and Rickettsia species. Clin Microbiol Infect 2009; 15 Suppl 2:284-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02237.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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45
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Tagawa M, Matsumoto K, Yokoyama N, Inokuma H. Comparison of the effect of two hemoplasma species on hematological parameters in cattle. J Vet Med Sci 2009; 72:113-5. [PMID: 19915333 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.09-0304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma wenyonii and ;Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' are pathogens associated with bovine hemoplasmosis. Hematological parameters of these two hemoplasma species were compared in a cattle herd that was known to be infected with these 2 pathogens. ;C. M. haemobos'-infected cattle exhibited lower red blood cell levels, hemoglobin concentrations and packed cell volumes than M. wenyonii-infected cattle and hemoplasma-negative controls. On the other hand, cattle infected with M. wenyonii did not show any significant differences in hematological parameters compared with the hemoplasma-negative cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihito Tagawa
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
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The occurrence of the feline “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” in dog in China confirmed by sequence-based analysis of ribosomal DNA. Trop Anim Health Prod 2008; 41:689-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-008-9242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2008] [Accepted: 10/10/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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47
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Fyumagwa RD, Simmler P, Willi B, Meli ML, Sutter A, Hoare R, Dasen G, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Lutz H. Molecular detection of haemotropic Mycoplasma species in Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick species collected on lions (Panithera leo) from Ngorongoro Crator, Tanzania. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.3957/0379-4369-38.2.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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48
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RNase P RNA gene (rnpB) phylogeny of Hemoplasmas and other Mycoplasma species. J Clin Microbiol 2008; 46:1873-7. [PMID: 18337389 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01859-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Partial sequences of the RNase P RNA gene (rnpB) were obtained from a number of hemoplasmas and other Mycoplasma species. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences showed that all hemoplasmas were present within a single clade and were most closely related to Mycoplasma fastidiosum, similar to the results found with 16S rRNA gene phylogeny.
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Sykes JE, Drazenovich NL, Ball LM, Leutenegger CM. Use of Conventional and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction to Determine the Epidemiology of Hemoplasma Infections in Anemic and Nonanemic Cats. J Vet Intern Med 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.tb03009.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Sykes JE, Drazenovich NL, Kyles AE, Ball LM, Leutenegger CM. Detection of mixed infections with "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" and Mycoplasma haemofelis using real-time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction. J Vet Diagn Invest 2007; 19:250-5. [PMID: 17459853 DOI: 10.1177/104063870701900304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Sykes
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, 2108 Tupper Hall, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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