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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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da Rosa Maciel A, Biezus G, de Cristo TG, Miletti LC, da Costa Maciel U, Medeiros ALV, Xavier MGN, Casagrande RA. Mycoplasma haemofelis infection and its correlation with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in cats in Southern Brazil. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 93:101941. [PMID: 36630814 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101941] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 274 cats in Southern Brazil to estimate the prevalence of Mycoplasma haemofelis PCR, associated factors, and its correlation with ELISA for FeLV and FIV. The apparent prevalence of M. haemofelis was 6.6% (18/274) (95% CI: 3.6-9.5%), of which 33.3% (6/18) had co-infection with FeLV, 5.6% (1/18) with FIV, and 5.6% (1/18) with both. Male cats were more likely to be positive for M. haemofelis [OR: 7.07 (1.97-25.34)]. Only three M. haemofelis-positive cats showed related clinical changes, such as mucosal pallor. A statistically significant difference was observed between M. haemofelis-positive cats and the negative control group for age, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, and rod neutrophil counts. Mycoplasma haemofelis is prevalent in southern Brazil, with a higher risk in male cats. Most cats could be classified as asymptomatic carriers since they were healthy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline da Rosa Maciel
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090 Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Giovana Biezus
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090 Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Thierry Grima de Cristo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090 Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Luiz Claudio Miletti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090 Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Ubirajara da Costa Maciel
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090 Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Larissa Vicente Medeiros
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090 Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Maysa Garlet Nunes Xavier
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090 Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Renata Assis Casagrande
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090 Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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Yamakawa AC, Haisi A, Kmetiuk LB, Pellizzaro M, Mendes JCR, Canavessi AMO, Ullmann LS, de Castro WAC, Pessoa Araújo Júnior J, dos Santos AP, Biondo AW. Molecular detection of feline hemoplasmas and retroviruses in free-roaming and shelter cats within a university campus. JFMS Open Rep 2023; 9:20551169221148672. [PMID: 37223406 PMCID: PMC10201909 DOI: 10.1177/20551169221148672] [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] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of hemoplasma, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infections in cats living in an on-campus shelter and free-roaming cats within a university campus in Brazil. Methods Blood samples were tested using quantitative PCR for hemoplasma, FIV and FeLV. Positive hemoplasma samples were sequenced. Associations between hemoplasma detection and living situation, sex, flea and/or tick parasitism, and coinfection with FIV and FeLV, were assessed using Fisher's exact test and the respective odds ratios were calculated. Results Overall, 6/45 (13.3%) cats tested positive: four (8.9%) were infected with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and two (4.4%) with Mycoplasma haemofelis. All positive samples were from free-roaming cats (6/15; 40.0%) and had statistically significantly lower packed cell volumes (P = 0.037). Although 5/23 (21.7%) males and 1/22 (4.6%) females were positive, no statistically significant association between sex and hemoplasma infection was found (P = 0.19). Viral quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed on 43/45 samples, among which 2/43 (4.7%) were positive for FIV and none for FeLV. Only one cat (2.3%) was coinfected with hemoplasma and FIV (P = 0.26). In addition, 4/6 (66.7%) cats that tested positive for hemoplasmas were infested by fleas (P = 0.0014) and/or ticks (P = 0.25). Conclusions and relevance These results show that even if the free-roaming cat population is clinically healthy and has adequate access to food, it may present flea infestation and hemoplasma infection with lower packed cell volume values.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Haisi
- Biotechnology Institute, São Paulo
State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular
Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), R dos Funcionários, Curitiba, PR,
Brazil
| | - Maysa Pellizzaro
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal
University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Wagner Antônio Chiba de Castro
- Latin-American Institute of Life and
Nature Sciences, Federal University for Latin American Integration, Foz do Iguaçu,
PR, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular
Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), R dos Funcionários, Curitiba, PR,
Brazil
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology,
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Roblejo-Arias L, Díaz-Sánchez AA, Corona-González B, Meli ML, Fonseca-Rodríguez O, Rodríguez-Mirabal E, Marrero-Perera R, Vega-Cañizares E, Lobo-Rivero E, Hofmann-Lehmann R. First molecular evidence of Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' infections and its association with epidemiological factors in dogs from Cuba. Acta Trop 2022; 228:106320. [PMID: 35063415 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Haemotrophic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) are unculturable, epicellular, cell wall-less gram-negative bacteria distributed worldwide, which infect several mammalian species. In dogs, Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' have been reported as causative agents of infectious anaemia, especially in splenectomised or immunocompromised animals. The present cross-sectional study aims to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and molecular characterization of canine haemoplasmas in Cuba. A total of 391 dog blood samples and 247 tick samples were tested for the presence of canine haemoplasmas by species-specific quantitative TaqMan® real-time PCR assays. Overall, 17.9% (70/391; 95% CI: 14.1-21.7) blood samples were PCR-positive for at least one canine haemoplasmas species, where 15.1% (59/391; 95% CI: 11.5-18.7) for Mycoplasma haemocanis, 4.4% (17/391; 95% CI: 2.3-6.4) for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum', and 1.5% (6/391; 95% CI: 0.3-2.8) were co-infected. All collected ticks were identified morphologically as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, and none of the tested tick samples was found PCR-positive for the presence of Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum'. Risk factors for canine haemoplasmas species infection included the presence of tick infestation, crossbreeding and living in kennels, while no association was found with the occurrence of anaemia. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences of Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' revealed >99% identity to other isolates distributed worldwide, indicating low genetic variability amongst these canine haemoplasmas species. To the best of the authors´ knowledge, this is the first molecular evidence of Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' infections in dogs from Cuba.
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Do T, Kamyingkird K, Chimnoi W, Inpankaew T. Evaluation of hematological alteration of vector-borne pathogens in cats from Bangkok, Thailand. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:28. [PMID: 33455579 PMCID: PMC7812637 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02737-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cats can be carriers of infected arthropods and be infected with several vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) but there is limited knowledge about their pathogenic role in cats. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of some feline vector-borne agents by molecular technique and to characterize the hematological findings associated with these infections in a cat population from Bangkok Thailand. Results PCR was positive with at least one pathogen in 237 out of 372 subjects (63.7%), with prevalence of 39.5% (147/372) for Babesia spp., 36.9% (137/372) for hemoplasmas and 3.2% (12/372) for Hepatozoon spp. The cats older than 1 year were at significantly greater risk for VBPs infection (P = 0.001; OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.12 – 1.81) and hemoplasmas infection (χ2 = 10.8, df = 1; P < 0.0001; OR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.49 – 4.01). A significant association between hematological findings and hemoplasma infection were identified in the present study. Besides, VBPs infection revealed more frequent in male cats (χ2= 6.38, df = 1, P = 0.01). Macrocytic hypochromic type of anemia was observed in cats infested with blood-sucking arthropods compared to the non-infested cats presented. Conclusions The current study confirmed that Babesia, Hepatozoon and hemoplasmas had infected semi-domesticated cats in Bangkok, Thailand, with Babesia and hemoplasmas being dominant in prevalence. Some hematological findings were significantly associated with cats infected with vector-borne pathogens in this study including leukocyte count and platelets count that may help support veterinary technicians in diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Campaigns of VBPs monitoring in Bangkok emphasizing on the investigation of vectors and possible routes of the infection in animals should be conducted to prevent the transmission of the pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thom Do
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, 10900, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ketsarin Kamyingkird
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, 10900, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wissanuwat Chimnoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, 10900, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, 10900, Bangkok, Thailand.
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6
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Stadler J, Ade J, Ritzmann M, Hoelzle K, Hoelzle LE. Detection of a novel haemoplasma species in fattening pigs with skin alterations, fever and anaemia. Vet Rec 2020; 187:66. [PMID: 32332105 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a fattening farm in Southern Germany, skin alterations (urticaria, haemorrhagic diathesis) and high fever were observed in 30% of the pigs 2 weeks after arrival. Feed intake was severely compromised in affected pigs. METHODS After detailed clinical observation, blood samples from affected pigs were collected for haematological, PCR and serological investigations. In addition, pathological investigations were performed on one pig. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Analysis of blood parameters revealed a normocytic, normochromic anaemia. A novel porcine haemoplasma species was detected in blood samples of affected pigs and spleen sample of the necropsied pig by PCR. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rDNA showed 99% identity to a novel porcine haemoplasma ('Candidatus (Ca.) M. haemosuis') species which has recently been described in China. Interestingly, this is the first report of 'Ca. M. haemosuis' in pigs with clinical signs resembling those of Mycoplasma (M) suis and the first description of this novel haemoplasma species outside Asia. On-farm affected pigs were treated with oxytetracycline and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Clinical signs improved after implementation of treatment and optimisation of management procedures. This case might indicate that other porcine haemoplasma species than M suis can induce fever and skin alterations and may have an economic impact on affected farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Stadler
- Clinic for Swine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Oberschleissheim, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Julia Ade
- Institute of Animal Science, Institute of Environmental and Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Medicine, University of Hohenheim Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Mathias Ritzmann
- Clinic for Swine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Oberschleissheim, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Katharina Hoelzle
- Institute of Animal Science, Institute of Environmental and Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Medicine, University of Hohenheim Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Ludwig E Hoelzle
- Institute of Animal Science, Institute of Environmental and Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Medicine, University of Hohenheim Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
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Rout ED, Labadie JD, Curran KM, Yoshimoto JA, Avery AC, Avery PR. Immunophenotypic characterization and clinical outcome in cats with lymphocytosis. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 34:105-116. [PMID: 31693230 PMCID: PMC6979106 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lymphocytosis is relatively common in cats, but few studies describe lymphocyte populations or the clinical course associated with different immunophenotypic expansions. Hypothesis/Objectives We hypothesized that cats frequently develop non‐neoplastic lymphocytosis and that different neoplastic immunophenotypes have variable prognoses. We aimed to characterize the lymphocyte expansions in a large population of cats with lymphocytosis and to assess clinical presentation and outcome in a subset. Animals Three cohorts of cats older than 1 year with lymphocytosis (>6000/μL) were examined to define immunophenotypic categories (n = 146), evaluate outcome (n = 94), and determine prevalence of immunophenotypes (n = 350). Methods Retrospective study of cats with blood submitted for flow cytometry. Medical records (n = 94) were reviewed for clinical data, treatment, and survival information. Results Five major immunophenotypic categories were identified: B cell, heterogeneous (≥2 lineages expanded), CD4+ T cell, CD4−CD8− (double negative [DN]) T cell, and CD5‐low‐expressing T cell. B‐cell and heterogeneous phenotypes were more consistent with a non‐neoplastic process, having polyclonal antigen receptor gene rearrangements, younger age at presentation, lower lymphocyte counts, and prolonged survival. The neoplastic phenotypes, CD4+ T cell, DN T cell, and CD5 low T cell, had different median survival times (752 days [n = 37], 271 days [n = 7], 27.5 days [n = 12], respectively). Among CD4+ T‐cell cases, cats with abdominal lymphadenopathy, intestinal involvement, or both and females had shorter survival. Among 350 cats with lymphocytosis, CD4+ T‐cell lymphocytosis was most common, followed by heterogeneous and B‐cell phenotypes. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Neoplastic CD4+ T‐cell lymphocytosis is common in cats and has a prolonged clinical course compared to aberrant T‐cell phenotypes. Cats with heterogeneous and B‐cell lymphocyte expansions commonly have non‐neoplastic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily D Rout
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Julia D Labadie
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Kaitlin M Curran
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Janna A Yoshimoto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Anne C Avery
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Paul R Avery
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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8
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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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