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Ider M, Ceylan C, Naseri A, Ceylan O, Durgut MK, Ok M, Iyigun SS, Erol BB, Sahin HB, Kilickaya MC. Evaluation of endothelial glycocalyx injury biomarkers in feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12931. [PMID: 38839816 PMCID: PMC11153643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62359-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate endothelial glycocalyx (eGCx) damage in cats with feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis using selected biomarkers and to determine the diagnostic and prognostic significance of these biomarkers. The study included 25 cats with feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis and 10 healthy cats. Clinical examination, blood gas analysis, complete blood count, and biochemical analysis were performed. Hemotropic mycoplasmosis diagnosed by microscopic examination and molecularly confirmed by PCR targeting the Mycoplasma haemofelis 16s rRNA gene. To evaluate endothelial glycocalyx damage, syndecan-1, endothelin-1 (ET-1), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) concentrations were measured using cat-specific commercial ELISA kits. Of the cats with feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis, 14 (56%) survived and 11 (44%) died. While syndecan-1 and ET-1 concentrations were significantly higher in cats with hemotropic mycoplasmosis compared to the control group (p < 0.001), no statistically significant difference was found for ADMA and VEGF-A concentrations (p > 0.05). Endothelial glycocalyx biomarkers showed significant correlations with each other and with hematological parameters (p < 0.01). The results of the ROC analysis showed that ET-1 with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.821 (p < 0.01) and VEGF-A with AUC of 0.805 (p < 0.010) were found to be significant prognostic indicators. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that serum syndecan-1 and ET-1 can be used as diagnostic and serum ET-1 and VEGF-A as prognostic biomarkers in cats with hemotropic mycoplasmosis. Our results indicate the development of eGCx damage in feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis and suggest that glycocalyx disruption may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Ider
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Ceylan Ceylan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Siirt University, Siirt, Turkey
| | - Amir Naseri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Onur Ceylan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Murat Kaan Durgut
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mahmut Ok
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Suleyman Serhat Iyigun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Busra Burcu Erol
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Hatice Betul Sahin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Merve Cansu Kilickaya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
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2
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Wagener MG, Marahrens H, Ganter M. Anaemia in South American camelids - an overview of clinical and laboratory diagnostics. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:633-647. [PMID: 38049672 PMCID: PMC10998796 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10274-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
South American camelids (SACs) play an increasing role in veterinary care in Europe. Many alpacas or llamas presented to veterinarians suffer from anaemia, regularly with a packed cell volume (PCV) below 0.10 l/l, which is a life-threatening condition for the animals. This review article presents clinical and laboratory diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of anaemia in SACs. Clinical identification of anaemic animals can be performed by assessing the FAMACHA© score and the Body Condition Score (BCS), since anaemia in alpacas and llamas correlates with pale mucous membranes and a lowered BCS. Haematological examination of a blood sample can provide a more differentiated diagnosis of anaemia in SACs. A common finding is regenerative anaemia with an increased number of reticulocytes that is often caused by blood loss due to Haemonchus contortus. Changes in a blood smear from an alpaca or llama with regenerative anaemia may include normoblasts (nucleated red blood cells), anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, polychromasia, Howell-Jolly bodies or basophilic stippling. Furthermore, non-regenerative anaemia, often caused by trace element deficiency or cachexia, can also occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Gerhard Wagener
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Hannah Marahrens
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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3
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Klose SM, Legione AR, Bushell RN, Browning GF, Vaz PK. Unveiling genome plasticity and a novel phage in Mycoplasma felis: Genomic investigations of four feline isolates. Microb Genom 2024; 10:001227. [PMID: 38546735 PMCID: PMC11004492 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma felis has been isolated from diseased cats and horses, but to date only a single fully assembled genome of this species, of an isolate from a horse, has been characterized. This study aimed to characterize and compare the completely assembled genomes of four clinical isolates of M. felis from three domestic cats, assembled with the aid of short- and long-read sequencing methods. The completed genomes encoded a median of 759 ORFs (range 743-777) and had a median average nucleotide identity of 98.2 % with the genome of the available equid origin reference strain. Comparative genomic analysis revealed the occurrence of multiple horizontal gene transfer events and significant genome reassortment. This had resulted in the acquisition or loss of numerous genes within the Australian felid isolate genomes, encoding putative proteins involved in DNA transfer, metabolism, DNA replication, host cell interaction and restriction modification systems. Additionally, a novel mycoplasma phage was detected in one Australian felid M. felis isolate by genomic analysis and visualized using cryo-transmission electron microscopy. This study has highlighted the complex genomic dynamics in different host environments. Furthermore, the sequences obtained in this work will enable the development of new diagnostic tools, and identification of future infection control and treatment options for the respiratory disease complex in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Klose
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn, NRW, Germany
| | - Alistair R. Legione
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rhys N. Bushell
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn F. Browning
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paola K. Vaz
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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4
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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5
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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: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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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6
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Infections of cats with blood mycoplasmas in various contexts. ACTA VET BRNO 2021. [DOI: 10.2754/avb202190020211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Haemotropic microorganisms are the most common bacteria that infect erythrocytes and are associated with anaemia of varying severity. The aim of this study was to focus on the occurrence of Mycoplasma haemofelis, Mycoplasma haemominutum, and Mycoplasma turicensis in cats. We followed infected individuals’ breeding conditions, age, sex, basic haematological indices, and co-infection with one of the feline retroviruses. A total of 73 cats were investigated. Haemoplasmas were detected by PCR and verified by sequencing. Haematology examination was performed focusing on the number of erythrocytes, haemoglobin concentrations and haematocrit. A subset of 40 cat blood samples was examined by a rapid immunochromatography test to detect retroviruses. The following was found in our study group: M. haemofelis in 12.3% of individuals, M. haemominutum in 35.6% of individuals and M. turicensis in 17.8% of individuals. A highly significant difference was found between positive evidence of blood mycoplasmas in cats living only at home (15%) and in cats with access to the outside (69.8%). There was also a highly significant difference in the incidence of mycoplasma in cats over 3 years of age compared to 1–3 years of age and up to 1 year of age. There was no difference in the frequency of infections between the sexes. Blood mycoplasma infection in our group was not accompanied by fundamental changes in the haematological indices and was only reflected by a decrease in haemoglobin values in three cases. In a subset of cats that were also examined for the presence of retroviral infection, mycoplasma infection in blood was confirmed in all five positive cases.
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Hemotropic Mycoplasma and Bartonella Species Diversity in Free-Roaming Canine and Feline from Luanda, Angola. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060735. [PMID: 34200906 PMCID: PMC8230469 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-roaming dogs and cats represent potential reservoirs for zoonotic vector-borne pathogens shedding to the human population. Given the health impact of these pathogens, we searched free-roaming dogs and cats included in an animal population control program from Luanda, Angola, for Bartonella and hemotropic mycoplasma infection. We report the detection of Bartonella henselae (2/66; 3%), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (5/66; 7.5%) and Mycoplasma haemofelis (1/66; 1.5%) in cats. One dog was found positive for Mycoplasma haemocanis (1/20; 5%). This is the first report of Bartonella henselae infections in stray cats and of hemotropic mycoplasmas in cats and dogs from Angola. Despite the relatively small sample size, our results sustain the hypothesis of uncontrolled circulation of these agents in highly mobile synanthropic animal populations of Luanda. Population and vector control could contribute to reducing the likelihood for animal-to-animal and animal-to-human transmission.
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8
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ZHANG Y, ZHANG Z, LOU Y, YU Y. Prevalence of hemoplasmas and Bartonella species in client-owned cats in Beijing and Shanghai, China. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 83:793-797. [PMID: 33731498 PMCID: PMC8182318 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A year-round molecular epidemiological survey (2017 to 2018) was conducted on three hemoplasmas and two Bartonella species with zoonotic potential in client-owned cats in Beijing and Shanghai. Among 668 specimens, the overall hemoplasma-positive rate was 4.9% (3.4% for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, 0.9% for Mycoplasma haemofelis and 1.2% for Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis). The overall Bartonella-positive rate was 8.5% (4.8% for B. henselae and 4.3% for B. clarridgeiae). Age, breed, ectoparasiticide use and stray history, but not city, season and gender, were significantly associated with the positive rates of one or more pathogens. This is also the first report on the prevalence of Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis in cats in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxin ZHANG
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhixuan ZHANG
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yinying LOU
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yonglan YU
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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9
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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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Mesa-Sanchez I, Ferreira RRF, Cardoso I, Morais M, Flamínio M, Vieira S, de Gopegui RR, de Matos AJF. Transfusion transmissible pathogens are prevalent in healthy cats eligible to become blood donors. J Small Anim Pract 2020; 62:107-113. [PMID: 33305378 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to determine the prevalence of subclinical infectious agents considered core pathogens for worldwide screening in healthy, client-owned, indoor cats eligible to become blood donors in Spain and Portugal. MATERIALS AND METHODS Blood samples of healthy, indoor, domestic cats selected to be potential blood donors were tested for feline leukaemia virus antigens, feline immunodeficiency virus antibodies and polymerase chain reactions for Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, feline leukaemia virus provirus, Leishmania spp. and Bartonella spp. Not all donors were tested for all agents. RESULTS Overall, 5105 healthy indoor cats were tested and 8.1% (414/5105) had at least one subclinical infectious agent that is transmissible through blood product transfusion. 1.5% (77/5105) were positive for feline leukaemia virus antigens and 2.9% (148/5105) were positive for feline immunodeficiency virus antibodies, therefore they were excluded as donors. The overall prevalence of haemoplasmas in feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus SNAP-negative feline blood donors was 3.7% (181/4880) [1.3% (63/4880) were positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis; 2.3% (112/4880) to Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and 0.12% (6/4880) to Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis]. The prevalence of feline leukaemia provirus was 5.2% (9/173) and of Bartonella spp. was 0.2% (2/1122). None of the 173 cats were positive for Leishmania spp. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The prevalence of many transfusion transmissible pathogens was relatively high in this healthy, client-owned, indoor cats eligible to become blood donors. Performing an extended screening panel that includes at least polymerase chain reactions for Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, feline leukaemia virus provirus, and Bartonella spp., in addition to feline leukaemia virus antigens and feline immunodeficiency virus antibodies, is recommended in pet blood banks from analogous regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Mesa-Sanchez
- Animal Blood Bank, Passatge Rovira I Virgili No 9, Sabadell, 08205, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R R F Ferreira
- CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, 4050-083, Porto, Portugal.,Animal Blood Bank, Rua de João de Deus, n°741 4100-462, Porto, Portugal
| | - I Cardoso
- Animal Blood Bank, Rua de João de Deus, n°741 4100-462, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Morais
- Animal Blood Bank, Rua de João de Deus, n°741 4100-462, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Flamínio
- Animal Blood Bank, Rua de João de Deus, n°741 4100-462, Porto, Portugal
| | - S Vieira
- Animal Blood Bank, Rua de João de Deus, n°741 4100-462, Porto, Portugal
| | - R R de Gopegui
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A J F de Matos
- CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, 4050-083, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Veterinary Clinics, Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-343, Porto, Portugal
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11
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Kaewmongkol S, Lakhana N, Sirinarumitr T, Fenwick SG, Kaewmongkol G. Investigation of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. genotypes in client-owned cats in Thailand. Vet Microbiol 2020; 247:108765. [PMID: 32768217 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The genetic information for three feline hemoplasmas is limited in Southeast Asia. According to the limited genetic data, this study modified a nested-PCR method targeting the 16S rRNA gene by designing a novel primary forward degenerate primer. Two hundred and thirty-one archived DNA extracts from the blood of client-owned cats with a variety of diseases were used. The modified nested PCR detected feline hemoplasma DNA in 64 of 231 (27.7 %) samples. Sanger DNA sequencing, BLAST, and phylogenetic analyses revealed nine nucleotide sequences of Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) (3.9 %, 9/231), fifty-three nucleotide sequences of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm) (22.94 %, 53/231) and two nucleotide sequences of Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMtc) (0.86 %, 2/231). The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated separate genotypes of 30 DNA sequences of Thai CMhm. In addition, this analysis elucidated distinct genotypes of CMhm in Thai fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus). The domestic cat and Thai fishing cat groups were the two major groups separating Thai CMhm genotypes based on the 16S rRNA. One CMhm sequence in Thai fishing cats was also present in domestic cat CMhm genotypes. This result suggests that transmission of CMhm between domestic cats and Thai fishing cats has likely occurred. One Mhf sequence had low genetic identity (82 % similarity). The phylogenetic analysis confirmed that this sequence was still very closely related to Mhf reference sequences. This Mhf-like genotype could be a candidate novel Mhf genotype. This new genetic information for feline hemotropic Mycoplasma provides valuable information for future feline-related clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicha Lakhana
- 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
| | - Gunn Kaewmongkol
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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12
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Zhang K, Han Y, Wang Z, Zhao Y, Fu Y, Peng X. gga-miR-146c Activates TLR6/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway through Targeting MMP16 to Prevent Mycoplasma Gallisepticum (HS Strain) Infection in Chickens. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050501. [PMID: 31137698 PMCID: PMC6562429 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), a pathogen that infects chickens and some other birds, triggers chronic respiratory disease (CRD) in chickens, which is characterized by inflammation. The investigation of microbial pathogenesis would contribute to the deep understanding of infection control. Since microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) play a key role in this process, gga-mir-146c, an upregulated miRNA upon MG infection, was selected according to our previous RNA-sequencing data. In this paper, we predicted and validated that MMP16 is one of gga-miR-146c target genes. Results show that MMP16 is the target of gga-miR-146c and gga-miR-146c can downregulate MMP16 expression within limits. gga-miR-146c upregulation significantly increased the expression of TLR6, NF-κB p65, MyD88, and TNF-α, whereas the gga-miR-146c inhibitor led to an opposite result. gga-miR-146c upregulation effectively decreased apoptosis and stimulated DF-1 cells proliferation upon MG infection. On the contrary, gga-miR-146c inhibitor promoted apoptosis and repressed the proliferation. Collectively, our results suggest that gga-miR-146c upregulation upon MG infection represses MMP16 expression, activating TLR6/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, promoting cell proliferation by inhibiting cell apoptosis, and, finally, enhancing cell cycle progression to defend against host MG infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Ministry of Education, College of Animal science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Yun Han
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Ministry of Education, College of Animal science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Zaiwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Ministry of Education, College of Animal science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Yabo Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Ministry of Education, College of Animal science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Yali Fu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Ministry of Education, College of Animal science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Xiuli Peng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Ministry of Education, College of Animal science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Díaz-Regañón D, Villaescusa A, Ayllón T, Rodríguez-Franco F, García-Sancho M, Agulla B, Sainz Á. Epidemiological study of hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in cats from central Spain. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:140. [PMID: 29554981 PMCID: PMC5859754 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2740-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) have been found infecting cats worldwide. However, studies about feline hemoplasma infections in Spain are scarce. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to evaluate the prevalence of feline hemotropic mycoplasmas and to characterize risk factors and clinical findings associated with these infections in a cat population from the Madrid area, Spain. Methods Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” (CMhm) and “Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis” (CMt) in blood samples from 456 client-owned and 138 stray cats from Madrid. In order to assess associations between these hemoplasma infections and epidemiological parameters, data regarding signalment, environment, prophylaxis measures, retrovirus status, clinical signs and laboratory findings were compiled, whenever possible. Results DNA of feline hemoplasmas was detected from the blood of 63 out of 594 cats (10.6%), with a prevalence of 3.7% (22/594) for Mhf, 8.1% (48/594) for CMhm and 0.5% (3/594) for CMt. Stray cats had statistically higher prevalences of feline hemoplasmas (15.9%) and, specifically, of Mhf (8.7%) than client-owned cats (9 and 2.2%, respectively). A total of seven cats (1.17%) were co-infected with “Candidatus M. haemominutum” and M. haemofelis, two (0.33%) with “Candidatus M. haemominutum” and “Candidatus M. turicensis” and another one (0.17%) with M. haemofelis and Candidatus “M. turicensis”. Male gender, collection of blood during warm months and FeLV/FIV positivity status were associated with hemotropic mycoplasma infection in cats from Madrid. Additionally, within the group of client-owned cats, hemoplasma infection was associated with adult age, outdoor access, and the existence of low haematocrit, erythrocyte count and haemoglobin concentration values. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological survey of feline hemoplasmas performed in central Spain (Madrid). Our study confirms that “Ca. Mycoplasma haemominutum”, Mycoplasma haemofelis and “Ca. Mycoplasma turicensis” are infecting client-owned and stray cats in this region of Spain, “Ca. Mycoplasma haemominutum” being the most prevalent species. More studies are necessary to help understand the role of the natural infection by these species of hemoplasma in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Díaz-Regañón
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Villaescusa
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tania Ayllón
- Instituto Nacional de Infectología Evandro Chagas, Fiocruz, Avenida Brazil 4365, CEP 21040- 900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-Franco
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes García-Sancho
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Agulla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Sainz
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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14
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Acute phase proteins response in cats naturally infected by hemotropic mycoplasmas. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 56:1-5. [PMID: 29406276 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Information about the acute phase proteins (APP) response in cats naturally infected with hemoplasmas and in cats co-infected with different species of hemoplasmas is lacking. This study evaluated serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and albumin in 48 cats naturally infected with hemoplasmas, including 25 with Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and 23 co-infected with different hemoplasmas agents; and in 10 healthy control cats. Infected cats had significantly higher Hp and lower albumin than controls. Symptomatic cats had significantly higher SAA and Hp, and lower albumin than asymptomatic animals, and also than controls. Asymptomatic cats had significantly higher Hp than controls. Concentrations of APP were not significantly different between single infected and co-infected cats. According with these results, hemoplasmosis should be considered when alterations in APP are detected in diseased cats with compatible clinical signs. Furthermore, a subclinical infection should be considered in apparently healthy cats from endemic areas with increased Hp.
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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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16
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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: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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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Volokhov DV, Hwang J, Chizhikov VE, Danaceau H, Gottdenker NL. Prevalence, Genotype Richness, and Coinfection Patterns of Hemotropic Mycoplasmas in Raccoons (Procyon lotor) on Environmentally Protected and Urbanized Barrier Islands. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:e00211-17. [PMID: 28258139 PMCID: PMC5394313 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00211-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are successful urban adapters and hosts to a number of zoonotic and nonzoonotic pathogens, yet little is known about their hemoplasma infections and how prevalence varies across habitat types. This study identifies hemotropic Mycoplasma species infection in raccoons from urban and undisturbed habitats and compares hemoplasma infection in sympatric urban cats (Felis catus) from the same geographic region. We collected blood from raccoons (n = 95) on an urban coastal island (n = 37) and an undisturbed coastal island (n = 58) and from sympatric urban cats (n = 39) in Georgia, USA. Based on 16S rRNA gene amplification, 62.1% (59/95) of raccoons and 17.9% (7/39) of feral cats were positive for hemoplasma. There was a greater percentage of hemoplasma-infected raccoons on the undisturbed island (79.3% [46/58]) than on the urban island (35.1% [13/37]; χ2 = 16.9, df = 1, P = 0.00004). Sequencing of the full-length 16S rRNA gene amplicons revealed six hemoplasma genotypes in raccoons, including five novel genotypes that were distinct from three known hemoplasma species identified in the sympatric cats. In addition, the hemoplasma genotypes detected in raccoons were not identified in sympatric cats or vice versa. Although all six hemoplasma genotypes were found in raccoons from urban and undisturbed islands, coinfection patterns differed between sites and among individuals, with the proportion of coinfected raccoons being greater in the undisturbed site. This study shows that raccoons are hosts for several novel hemoplasmas and that habitat type influences infection patterns.IMPORTANCE This study provides information about novel hemoplasmas identified in raccoons (Procyon lotor), which can be used for assessments of the prevalence of these hemoplasmas in raccoon populations and for future studies on the potential pathogenic impacts of these hemoplasmas on raccoon health. Raccoons from the undisturbed habitat had a higher prevalence of hemoplasma infection than urban raccoons. There does not appear to be cross-species transmission of hemotropic mycoplasmas between urban raccoons and feral cats. Raccoons appear to be hosts for several novel hemoplasmas, and habitat type influences infection patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitriy V Volokhov
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Jusun Hwang
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Vladimir E Chizhikov
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Heather Danaceau
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Nicole L Gottdenker
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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18
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Zhao Y, Hou Y, Zhang K, Yuan B, Peng X. Identification of differentially expressed miRNAs through high-throughput sequencing in the chicken lung in response to Mycoplasma gallisepticum HS. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2017; 22:146-156. [PMID: 28433919 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infects chickens, causes chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) and severely damages the poultry industry. It has been suggested that micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are involved in microbial pathogenesis. Here, we identified miRNAs that are associated with MG infection in chicken lungs at 3 and 10days post-infection by deep sequencing. Thirty-six down-regulated and 9 up-regulated miRNAs belonging to 31 miRNA families were detected at 3days post-infection, whereas 50 down-regulated and 18 up-regulated miRNAs belonging to 41 miRNA families were found at 10days post-infection. The 45 and 68 differentially expressed miRNAs at 3 and 10days target 6280 and 7181 genes, respectively. In this study, 8 candidate novel chicken miRNAs were identified. Analyses via GO, KEGG, miRNA-GO-network, path-net and gene-net showed that these altered miRNAs might be involved in regulating the host response to MG infection by targeting genes in many pathways, such as the MAPK pathway, focal adhesion, Wnt pathway, endocytosis, Jak/STAT pathway, phosphatidylinositol pathway, adherens junctions, regulation of actin cytoskeleton among others. These analyses indicate that the MAPK pathway may be a key regulatory route. Also, the miR-8 family, miR-499 family, miR-17 family, and PIK3 family genes, as well as the MAP2K1 and RAC1 genes, might be important in MG infection. miR-20 of the miR-17 family was further confirmed by RT-qPCR. The important miRNAs, mRNAs and pathways associated with MG infection in chicken are valuable for further research. Our data provide new insights into the mechanism of these miRNAs on the regulation of host-MG interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabo Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education; College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Yue Hou
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education; College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Kang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education; College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Bo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education; College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Xiuli Peng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education; College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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19
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Raimundo JM, Guimarães A, Botelho CFM, Peixoto MP, Pires MS, Machado CH, Santos HA, Massard CL, André MR, Machado RZ, Baldani CD. Hematological changes associated with hemoplasma infection in cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 25:441-449. [PMID: 27982300 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612016086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to detect Mycoplasma spp. in naturally infected cats from Rio de Janeiro and to evaluate hematological abnormalities and factors associated with this infection. Out of the 197 cats sampled, 11.2% presented structures compatible with hemoplasma organisms on blood smears. In contrast, 22.8% were positive for Mycoplasma spp. by means of 16S rRNA gene real-time polymerase chain reaction, which reflects the weak concordance between techniques. The infection rates, by means of 16S rRNA gene conventional polymerase chain reaction, was 4.6%, 4.6% and 11.7% for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' (CMt) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (CMhm), respectively. Mhf and CMhm infections are more frequent in the summer (p>0.05). Presence of anemia (p < 0.02), lymphocytosis (p < 0.03), thrombocytopenia (p < 0.04) and activated monocytes (p < 0.04) was associated with Mhf infection. No hematological abnormality was associated with CMt or CMhm infection. Male cats were more prone to be infected by Mhf or CMhm (p < 0.01). Adult cats had more chance to be infected by CMhm. Three hemoplasma species occur in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro and Mhf seems to be the most pathogenic of them. Anemia is the most important hematological abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Macedo Raimundo
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Andresa Guimarães
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Camila Flávia Magalhães Botelho
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Maristela Peckel Peixoto
- Laboratório de Hemoparasitos e Vetores, Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcus Sandes Pires
- Laboratório de Hemoparasitos e Vetores, Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Carlos Henrique Machado
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Huarrisson Azevedo Santos
- Laboratório de Sanidade Avícola, Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Carlos Luiz Massard
- Laboratório de Hemoparasitos e Vetores, Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Cristiane Divan Baldani
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
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20
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Wardrop KJ, Birkenheuer A, Blais MC, Callan MB, Kohn B, Lappin MR, Sykes J. Update on Canine and Feline Blood Donor Screening for Blood-Borne Pathogens. J Vet Intern Med 2016; 30:15-35. [PMID: 26806261 PMCID: PMC4913655 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.13823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
An update on the 2005 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Consensus Statement on blood donor infectious disease screening was presented at the 2015 ACVIM Forum in Indianapolis, Indiana, followed by panel and audience discussion. The updated consensus statement is presented below. The consensus statement aims to provide guidance on appropriate blood‐borne pathogen testing for canine and feline blood donors in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Wardrop
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - A Birkenheuer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - M C Blais
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montreal, Montreal, QC
| | - M B Callan
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - B Kohn
- Clinic of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitat Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M R Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - J Sykes
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, CA
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Hwang J, Gottdenker N, Min MS, Lee H, Chun MS. Evaluation of biochemical and haematological parameters and prevalence of selected pathogens in feral cats from urban and rural habitats in South Korea. J Feline Med Surg 2016; 18:443-51. [PMID: 26018551 PMCID: PMC11185230 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x15587572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we evaluated the potential association between the habitat types of feral cats and the prevalence of selected infectious pathogens and health status based on a set of blood parameters. METHODS We live-trapped 72 feral cats from two different habitat types: an urban area (n = 48) and a rural agricultural area (n = 24). We compared blood values and the prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and haemotropic Mycoplasma infection in feral cats from the two contrasting habitats. RESULTS Significant differences were observed in several blood values (haematocrit, red blood cells, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine) depending on the habitat type and/or sex of the cat. Two individuals from the urban area were seropositive for FIV (3.0%), and eight (12.1%) were positive for FeLV infection (five from an urban habitat and three from a rural habitat). Haemoplasma infection was more common. Based on molecular analysis, 38 cats (54.3%) were positive for haemoplasma, with a significantly higher infection rate in cats from rural habitats (70.8%) compared with urban cats (47.8%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Our study recorded haematological and serum biochemical values, and prevalence of selected pathogens in feral cat populations from two different habitat types. A subset of important laboratory parameters from rural cats showed values under or above the corresponding reference intervals for healthy domestic cats, suggesting potential differences in the health status of feral cats depending on the habitat type. Our findings provide information about the association between 1) blood values (haematological and serum biochemistry parameters) and 2) prevalence of selected pathogen infections and different habitat types; this may be important for veterinarians who work with feral and/or stray cats and for overall cat welfare management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jusun Hwang
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nicole Gottdenker
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Mi-Sook Min
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hang Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myung-Sun Chun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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22
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Tian W, Zhao C, Hu Q, Sun J, Peng X. Roles of Toll-like receptors 2 and 6 in the inflammatory response to Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection in DF-1 cells and in chicken embryos. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 59:39-47. [PMID: 26797426 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
While Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a major pathogen that causes chronic respiratory diseases in chicken, the molecular mechanism of MG infection is not clear. In this study, we investigated the roles of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and 6 (TLR6) in MG infection. We found that TLR2 type 2 (TLR2-2) and TLR6 had differential expressions in chicken embryo fibroblasts (DF-1 cells), where TLR6 was highly expressed, but TLR2-2 was barely expressed. Upon MG infection, TLR6 expression was upregulated, followed by upregulation of downstream factors, MyD88, NF-κB, IL2, IL6, and TNF-α. Knockdown of TLR6 expression by shRNA abolished the MG-induced inflammatory responses. More interestingly, in the presence of TLR6, TLR2-2 didn't respond to MG infection in DF-1 cells. When TLR6 was knocked down by shRNA, however, TLR2 was upregulated upon MG infection, which was followed by upregulation of proinflammatory genes. Finally, we tested effects of the MG infection on expression of TLR2-2 and TLR6 in the lungs and trachea tissues of chicken embryos. We found both TLR2-2 and TLR6 were upregulated upon MG infection, followed by upregulation of the downstream NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses. This study was the first to report the differential roles of TLR2-2 and TLR6 in MG-infected DF-1 cells and chicken embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qingchuang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jianjun Sun
- Department of Biological Sciences and Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Xiuli Peng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Gga-miR-101-3p Plays a Key Role in Mycoplasma gallisepticum (HS Strain) Infection of Chicken. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:28669-82. [PMID: 26633386 PMCID: PMC4691068 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161226121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), one of the most pathogenic Mycoplasma, has caused tremendous economic loss in the poultry industry. Recently, increasing evidence has suggested that micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are involved in microbial pathogenesis. However, little is known about potential roles of miRNAs in MG infection of chicken. In the present study, using miRNA Solexa sequencing we have found that gga-miR-101-3p was up-regulated in the lungs of MG-infected chicken embryos. Moreover, gga-miR-101-3p regulated expression of the host enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) through binding to the 3’ un-translated region (3’-UTR) of EZH2 gene. Over-expression of gga-miR-101-3p significantly inhibited EZH2 expression and hence inhibited proliferation of chicken embryonic fibroblast (DF-1 cells) by blocking the G1-to-S phase transition. Similar results were obtained in MG-infected chicken embryos and DF-1 cells, where gga-miR-101-3p was significantly up-regulated, while EZH2 was significantly down-regulated. This study reveals that gga-miR-101-3p plays an important role in MG infection through regulation of EZH2 expression and provides a new insight into the mechanisms of MG pathogenesis.
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24
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Diversity and molecular characterization of novel hemoplasmas infecting wild rodents from different Brazilian biomes. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 43:50-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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25
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Mycoplasma gallisepticum (HS strain) surface lipoprotein pMGA interacts with host apolipoprotein A-I during infection in chicken. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 100:1343-1354. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-7117-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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26
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Occurrence and molecular characterization of Bartonella spp. and hemoplasmas in neotropical primates from Brazilian Amazon. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 42:15-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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27
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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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28
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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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29
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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: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [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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30
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Rapid detection of haemotropic mycoplasma infection of feline erythrocytes using a novel flow cytometric approach. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:158. [PMID: 23725366 PMCID: PMC3673821 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The haemotropic mycoplasmas Mycoplasma haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum cause feline infectious anaemia with infection rates in feline populations reflecting widespread subclinical infection. Clinically significant infections are much rarer but can be life-threatening. Current diagnosis is dependent upon visualising organisms in stained blood smears, PCR or quantitative PCR (qPCR). These procedures are labour-intensive and time-consuming. Furthermore, PCR-based approaches offer limited insight into the disease burden of the infected animal. Methods We have developed a novel and rapid flow cytometric system that permits diagnosis of haemotropic mycoplasma infections and quantitation of the percentage of erythrocytes that are parasitized. The method exploits the fact that mature mammalian erythrocytes, the host cell for haemoplasmas, are enucleated and thus lack nucleic acid. DRAQ5 is a synthetic anthrocycline dye which rapidly crosses cell membranes and binds to nucleic acids. The presence of exogenous bacterial DNA in mammalian erythrocytes can, therefore, be detected by DRAQ5 uptake and flow cytometric detection of DRAQ5 fluorescence. Results Here, we show that this system can detect epi-erythrocytic infection of companion felines by haemotropic mycoplasma. Due to their differences in size, and hence the quantity of DNA, the two major feline hemoplasmas M. haemofelis and Candidatus M. haemominutum can be distinguished according to DRAQ5 fluorescence. We have also shown the usefulness of DRAQ5 uptake in monitoring a cat infected with M. haemofelis sequentially during treatment with doxycycline. Conclusions The technique described is the first report of a flow cytometric method for detecting haemotropic mycoplasmas in any species and could be applied to widespread screening of animal populations to assess infection by these epi-erythrocytic parasites.
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