DOCSLIB.ORG

'Candidatus Mycoplasma Haemominutum' in a Cat with Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anem

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
'Candidatus Mycoplasma Haemominutum' in a Cat with Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anem 224Case report Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift, 2012, 81 Coinfection with Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ in a cat with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in Belgium Co-infectie met Mycoplasma haemofelis en ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ bij een kat met immuungemedieerde hemolytische anemie in België C. van Geffen Algemene Dierenkliniek Randstad Frans Beirenslaan 155, B-2150 Borsbeek [email protected] ABSTRACT A young male domestic Shorthair was presented with weakness and anorexia of two days’ du- ration. Physical examination showed pale mucous membranes, caused by severe, regenerative, Coombs’ positive, hemolytic anemia. A blood smear revealed epicellular organisms compatible with Mycoplasma spp. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on EDTA blood identified these or- ganisms as Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’. Despite the lack of clearance of the organism from the blood, the cat responded well to antibiotic treatment with doxycycline, together with immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. SAMENVATTING Een jonge, mannelijke huiskat werd aangeboden voor zwakte en anorexia die reeds twee dagen aan- hielden. Op klinisch onderzoek werden bleke slijmvliezen gezien, veroorzaakt door erge, regeneratieve, Coombs’ positieve, hemolytische anemie. Een bloeduitstrijkje toonde epicellulaire organismen aan, com- patibel met Mycoplasma (vroeger bekend als Haemobartonella felis). Real-time polymerase chain reac- tion (RT-PCR) op EDTA-bloed identificeerde deze organismen als Mycoplasma haemofelis en ‘Candida- tus Mycoplasma haemominutum’. Ondanks de blijvende aanwezigheid van de organismen in het bloed, reageerde de kat goed op antibioticatherapie met doxycycline, samen met een immunosuppressieve dosis corticosteroïden. INTRODUCTION this infection to be present in cats worldwide (Duin et al., 2009, Fujihara et al., 2007; Gentilini et al., 2009; Hemobartonellosis or feline infectious anemia is Willi et al., 2006). caused by gram-negative bacteria that attach to the The incubation period after infection with Myco - outer surface of host erythrocytes. Previously, they plasma haemofelis varies from weeks to months, and were classified into genus Haemobartonella, family is followed by cycles of bacteremia which may last for Anaplasmataceae, order Rickettsiales. Recently, mo- months. Infected erythrocytes are less deformable in lecular techniques have resulted in a reclassification of circulation and elicit an immune response with subse- these organisms. Phylogenetically, they seem to be quent phagocytosis in lymphoid organs. Massive in- more closely related to organisms of the genus My- fection or severe anemia may result in death. Other an- coplasma. Two closely related species have been de- imals will recover but remain carriers despite their tected, and they have recently been renamed again. immune response to the organism (Giger, 2005). Treat- Haemobartonella felis ‘Ohio strain’ or ‘large form’ is ment includes antibiotics, such as doxycycline, sup- currently called Mycoplasma haemofelis (Neimark et portive treatment with blood products in severely ane- al., 2001). Haemobartonella felis ‘California strain’ or mic animals, and possibly corticosteroids to halt ‘small form’, which seems to be a low-virulence bac- immune-mediated destruction of erythrocytes (Har- terium, has been given a candidate species name ‘Can- vey, 2006). didatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ (Foley and Ped- ersen, 2001). Some years ago, a third feline CASE REPORT hemoplasma species was identified in Switzerland, and was named Candidatus Mycoplasma turicencis A 1.5-year-old, male, castrated domestic Shorthair (Willi et al., 2005). Recent studies have documented was presented with weakness and anorexia of 2 days’ Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift, 2012, 81 225 Figure 1. Blood smear from a cat infected with Myco - Figure 2. Blood smear from a cat infected with Myco - plasma organisms (Diff-Quick, magnification 1000 x). plasma organisms (Diff-Quick, magnification 1000x). Several Mycoplasma organisms are attached in an epi- Howell-Jolly bodies (black arrow), nuclear remnants, cellular location on erythrocytes (white arrows). A nu- should not be confused with red blood cell parasites. cleated red blood cell or normoblast (black arrow) is also Epicellular Mycoplasma organisms are indicated by present. white arrows. duration. The cat was mainly kept indoors and was cur- PCR, and revealed the presence of both Mycoplasma rently on vaccinations. There was no history of recent haemofelis (organism load of 2.4 x 106/mL of blood) drug administration or ectoparasite control. Recently, and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ (or- a young stray cat has also been adopted in the house- ganism load of 1.5 x 106/mL of blood). hold. Physical examination revealed a lethargic cat The cat tested negative for feline leukemia virus with pale and mildly icteric mucous membranes, mild (FeLV) antigen (ELISA) and feline immunodeficiency tachycardia (180 beats/minute) and a low-grade sys- virus (FIV) antibodies (immunofluorescence antibody tolic murmur. Femoral pulses were bounding. Respi- test). Lateral and ventrodorsal chest radiographs were ratory rate and rectal temperature were normal (36 within normal limits. Abdominal ultrasound revealed breaths/minute and 38.6°C, respectively). The right mild diffuse splenomegaly with normal echogenicity. prescapular lymph node was mildly enlarged. Ab- Fine needle aspirates of the right prescapular lymph dominal palpation was unremarkable. node had a normal cellular distribution with the pre- A complete blood count (CBC) revealed a severe dominance of small lymphocytes. normochromic (mean corpuscular hemoglobin con- Intravenous fluid therapy (Hartmann®) was given at centration / MCHC 36.0 g/dL [reference 30-36 g/dL]), maintenance rate. A fresh blood transfusion was con- macrocytic (mean corpuscular volume / MCV 62 fl sidered but postponed until absolutely necessary, be- [reference 37-55 fl]), regenerative anemia (hematocrit cause of financial concerns of the owner. Despite the 8.1% [reference 24-45%] with an absolute reticulocyte severe anemia, the clinical and cardiorespiratory pa- count of 338000/µL [reference < 40000/µL]). Leuko- rameters remained stable during the following days. cytes were within normal limits. The biochemistry Medical treatment included doxycycline (Vi- profile showed normal total protein (7.5 g/L [reference bramycine® 5 mg/kg twice daily) combined with an im- 5.4-8.2 g/L]) and albumin concentrations (3.6 g/L [ref- munosuppressive dose of parenteral dexamethasone erence 2.7-4.5 g/L]), as well as normal renal parame- (Rapidexon® 0.4 mg/kg once daily) initially, and oral ters, liver enzymes and electrolytes. However, the prednisolone (Prednisolone® 1 mg/kg twice daily) af- bilirubin concentration was increased (2.8 mg/dL [ref- ter the cat regained his appetite. A repeat blood smear erence 0.1-0.6 mg/dL]). Urinalysis was normal except on the second day of hospitalization no longer re- for bilirubinuria. A direct polyvalent Coombs’ test vealed Mycoplasma organisms. Signs of regeneration (Nordic, Tilburg, the Netherlands) was found strongly became more prominent (polychromasia, anisocytosis positive (titer 1:4096). A fresh blood smear was stained together with the presence of many normoblasts). A with Diff-Quick. A regenerative response was clearly CBC on the 6th day revealed a rising hematocrit demonstrated by the presence of polychromasia, aniso- (22.9%), with a MCV of 76.6 fl, the latter indicating the cytosis and a moderate number of normoblasts and presence of larger sized reticulocytes and thus an on- Howell-Jolly bodies (Figures 1 and 2). Heinz bodies going regenerative response. At that time, the systolic were absent. Several erythrocytes showed one or more murmur was no longer audible, suggesting that it was epicellular organisms resembling Mycoplasma spp. most likely caused by altered blood viscosity during the (Figures 1 and 2). An EDTA-blood sample was sent by severely anemic state. regular mail to a veterinary laboratory specialized in The cat was sent home with oral doxycycline (Vi- molecular diagnostics for confirmation, characteriza- bramycine®) 5 mg/kg twice daily for three weeks and tion and quantification of the organisms by real-time tapering doses of oral prednisolone (Prednisolone®, 1 226 Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift, 2012, 81 mg/kg twice daily starting dose). Furthermore, a result in exposure of hidden antigens or changes in ex- monthly flea prevention with fipronil (Frontline®) was isting antigens, thereby activating the production of prescribed. Four weeks later (and five days after dis- host anti-erythrocyte antibodies. The anemia mostly re- continuation of prednisolone), the physical examina- sults from extravascular erythrophagocytosis by tion, blood work, fresh blood smear, Coombs’ test and macrophages in the spleen, liver, lungs and bone mar- PCR for both Mycoplasma organisms were repeated. row (Harvey, 2006). Other conditions, such as inflam- According to the owner, the cat made full recovery and matory, infectious and neoplastic diseases, may result in was again alert and playful. The mucous membranes the immune-mediated destruction of erythrocytes in cir- were pink and the cardiac auscultation was normal, as culation or lymphoid organs. A thorough work-up, in- was the rest of the physical examination. The hemat- cluding retroviral testing, chest radiographs and ab- ocrit and red cell indices had returned within
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Infections of Cats with Blood Mycoplasmas in Various Contexts
    ACTA VET. BRNO 2021, 90: 211–219; https://doi.org/10.2754/avb202190020211 Infections of cats with blood mycoplasmas in various contexts Dana Lobová1, Jarmila Konvalinová2, Iveta Bedáňová2, Zita Filipejová3, Dobromila Molinková1 University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, 1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, 2Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, Department of Animal Protection, Welfare and Ethology, 3Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Clinic, Brno, Czech Republic Received April 1, 2020 Accepted May 26, 2021 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.
    [Show full text]
  • Genome Published Outside of SIGS, January – June 2011 Methylovorus Sp
    Standards in Genomic Sciences (2011) 4:402-417 DOI:10.4056/sigs.2044675 Genome sequences published outside of Standards in Genomic Sciences, January – June 2011 Oranmiyan W. Nelson1 and George M. Garrity1 1Editorial Office, Standards in Genomic Sciences and Department of Microbiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA The purpose of this table is to provide the community with a citable record of publications of on- going genome sequencing projects that have led to a publication in the scientific literature. While our goal is to make the list complete, there is no guarantee that we may have omitted one or more publications appearing in this time frame. Readers and authors who wish to have publica- tions added to this subsequent versions of this list are invited to provide the bibliometric data for such references to the SIGS editorial office. Phylum Crenarchaeota “Metallosphaera cuprina” Ar-4, sequence accession CP002656 [1] Thermoproteus uzoniensis 768-20, sequence accession CP002590 [2] “Vulcanisaeta moutnovskia” 768-28, sequence accession CP002529 [3] Phylum Euryarchaeota Methanosaeta concilii, sequence accession CP002565 (chromosome), CP002566 (plasmid) [4] Pyrococcus sp. NA2, sequence accession CP002670 [5] Thermococcus barophilus MP, sequence accession CP002372 (chromosome) and CP002373 plasmid) [6] Phylum Chloroflexi Oscillochloris trichoides DG-6, sequence accession ADVR00000000 [7] Phylum Proteobacteria Achromobacter xylosoxidans A8, sequence accession CP002287 (chromosome), CP002288 (plasmid pA81), and CP002289
    [Show full text]
  • Lists of Names of Prokaryotic Candidatus Taxa
    NOTIFICATION LIST: CANDIDATUS LIST NO. 1 Oren et al., Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. DOI 10.1099/ijsem.0.003789 Lists of names of prokaryotic Candidatus taxa Aharon Oren1,*, George M. Garrity2,3, Charles T. Parker3, Maria Chuvochina4 and Martha E. Trujillo5 Abstract We here present annotated lists of names of Candidatus taxa of prokaryotes with ranks between subspecies and class, pro- posed between the mid- 1990s, when the provisional status of Candidatus taxa was first established, and the end of 2018. Where necessary, corrected names are proposed that comply with the current provisions of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes and its Orthography appendix. These lists, as well as updated lists of newly published names of Candidatus taxa with additions and corrections to the current lists to be published periodically in the International Journal of Systematic and Evo- lutionary Microbiology, may serve as the basis for the valid publication of the Candidatus names if and when the current propos- als to expand the type material for naming of prokaryotes to also include gene sequences of yet-uncultivated taxa is accepted by the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes. Introduction of the category called Candidatus was first pro- morphology, basis of assignment as Candidatus, habitat, posed by Murray and Schleifer in 1994 [1]. The provisional metabolism and more. However, no such lists have yet been status Candidatus was intended for putative taxa of any rank published in the journal. that could not be described in sufficient details to warrant Currently, the nomenclature of Candidatus taxa is not covered establishment of a novel taxon, usually because of the absence by the rules of the Prokaryotic Code.
    [Show full text]
  • Phylogeny of Bacterial and Archaeal Genomes Using Conserved Genes: Supertrees and Supermatrices
    Phylogeny of Bacterial and Archaeal Genomes Using Conserved Genes: Supertrees and Supermatrices Jenna Morgan Lang1,2, Aaron E. Darling1, Jonathan A. Eisen1,2* 1 Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America, 2 Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California, United States of America Abstract Over 3000 microbial (bacterial and archaeal) genomes have been made publically available to date, providing an unprecedented opportunity to examine evolutionary genomic trends and offering valuable reference data for a variety of other studies such as metagenomics. The utility of these genome sequences is greatly enhanced when we have an understanding of how they are phylogenetically related to each other. Therefore, we here describe our efforts to reconstruct the phylogeny of all available bacterial and archaeal genomes. We identified 24, single-copy, ubiquitous genes suitable for this phylogenetic analysis. We used two approaches to combine the data for the 24 genes. First, we concatenated alignments of all genes into a single alignment from which a Maximum Likelihood (ML) tree was inferred using RAxML. Second, we used a relatively new approach to combining gene data, Bayesian Concordance Analysis (BCA), as implemented in the BUCKy software, in which the results of 24 single-gene phylogenetic analyses are used to generate a ‘‘primary concordance’’ tree. A comparison of the concatenated ML tree and the primary concordance (BUCKy) tree reveals that the two approaches give similar results, relative to a phylogenetic tree inferred from the 16S rRNA gene. After comparing the results and the methods used, we conclude that the current best approach for generating a single phylogenetic tree, suitable for use as a reference phylogeny for comparative analyses, is to perform a maximum likelihood analysis of a concatenated alignment of conserved, single-copy genes.
    [Show full text]
  • Vertical Transmission of Mycoplasma Haemolamae in Alpacas (Vicugna Pacos)
    Vertical transmission of Mycoplasma haemolamae in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) THESIS Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Rebecca Lynne Pentecost, D.V.M, B.S. Graduate Program in Comparative and Veterinary Medicine The Ohio State University 2012 Thesis Committee: Jeffrey Lakritz, Advisor Antoinette E. Marsh Andrew J. Niehaus Joshua Daniels Paivi Rajala-Schultz Copyright by Rebecca Lynne Pentecost 2012 Abstract Mycoplasma haemolamae is a parasite with tropism for the red blood cells of alpacas, llamas, and guanacos. Transmission of the parasite likely occurs via an insect vector although the vector has not been elucidated to date. Transmission via blood transfusion has been demonstrated experimentally. In utero infection has been suggested and later demonstrated in a limited number of cases (n≤5). The purpose of this study was to 1) determine the frequency of vertical transmission of Mycoplasma haemolamae from dam to cria; 2) determine whether colostral transmission of M. haemolamae occurs; and 3) provide preliminary data on colostral M. haemolamae specific antibody from pregnant alpacas on a farm with known prevalence of infection. Mycoplasma haemolamae specific PCR was performed on blood and colostrum from pregnant alpacas and their cria (n=52 pairs). Indirect fluorescent antibody testing was performed on a subset (n=43) of these colostrum samples. Total immunoglobulin concentrations of colostrum and cria sera and M. haemolamae specific IgG (prior to and after ingesting colostrum) were determined by turbidometric immunoassay and indirect fluorescence antibody testing, respectively. Sixteen of 52 dams (30.7%) pre-partum and one of 52 cria post-partum (1.9%; prior to ingestion of colostrum) were PCR positive for M.
    [Show full text]
  • Feline Mycoplasma Molecular Detection Kit Transmission Can Occur Through Arthropod Vectors Such Cat
    organisms. The hemolytic anemia caused by M. haemofelis is usually regenerative in nature unless this response is suppressed by an underlying disease such as Feline Leukemia Virus infection. Parasitemia is episodic and is directly coupled with decreased hematocrit levels at the time of increased parasitic load. Because of the cyclic parasitemia, organisms may be numerous, rare or undetectable in a given blood sample. Feline Mycoplasma Molecular Detection Kit Transmission can occur through arthropod vectors such Cat. No.30FMH116/30FMH148 as lice, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes as well as by transfer of infected blood (blood transfusions or use of contaminated For in vitro veterinarian diagnostic use only needles or surgical instruments). Vertical infection and User Manual direct transmission associated with aggressive behavior between cats have been reported. Most cats infected INTENDED USE with M. haemofelis become asymptomatic carriers and redevelop milder versions of the disease when under stress2. PCRun® Feline Mycoplasma Molecular Detection Kit is intended for detection of Mycoplasma haemofelis in DNA isolated from DIAGNOSIS feline whole blood. The kit should be used for detection of acute infections. It contains all the disposable components In the acutely sick feline, macrocytic and normochromic required for performing an easy and accurate test. regenerative anemia are most common. Diagnostic symptoms include pale mucous membranes, splenomegaly, lethargy, anorexia, depression, weight loss and weakness. Hematocrit PRINCIPLE values in cats presenting with clinical signs of illness are often 50% of the normal. Fever occurs in some acutely infected cats PCRun® is a molecular assay based on isothermal amplification and may be intermittent in chronically infected individuals.
    [Show full text]
  • Effectiveness of a 10% Imidacloprid/4.5% Flumethrin Polymer Matrix Collar in Reducing the Risk of Bartonella Spp
    Greco et al. Parasites & Vectors (2019) 12:69 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-018-3257-y RESEARCH Open Access Effectiveness of a 10% imidacloprid/4.5% flumethrin polymer matrix collar in reducing the risk of Bartonella spp. infection in privately owned cats Grazia Greco1* , Emanuele Brianti2, Canio Buonavoglia1, Grazia Carelli1, Matthias Pollmeier3, Bettina Schunack3, Giulia Dowgier1,4, Gioia Capelli5, Filipe Dantas-Torres1,6 and Domenico Otranto1 Abstract Background: Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae and the rare Bartonella koehlerae are zoonotic pathogens, with cats being regarded as the main reservoir hosts. The spread of the infection among cats occurs mainly via fleas and specific preventive measures need to be implemented. The effectiveness of a 10% imidacloprid/4.5% flumethrin polymer matrix collar (Seresto®, Bayer Animal Health), registered to prevent flea and tick infestations, in reducing the risk of Bartonella spp. infection in privately owned cats, was assessed in a prospective longitudinal study. Methods: In March-May 2015 [Day 0 (D0)], 204 privately-owned cats from the Aeolian Islands (Sicily) were collared (G1, n =104)orleftascontrols(G2,n = 100). The bacteraemia of Bartonella spp. was assessed at enrolment (D0) and study closure (D360) by PCR and DNA sequencing both prior to and after an enrichment step, using Bartonella alpha proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM). Results: A total of 152 cats completed the study with 3 in G1 and 10 in G2 being positive for Bartonella spp. Bartonella henselae genotype I ZF1 (1.35%) and genotype II Fizz/Cal-1 (6.76%) as well as B. clarridgeiae (5.41%) were detected in cats of G2.
    [Show full text]
  • Tasker, S. Et Al. (2018) Haemoplasmosis in Cats: European Guidelines from the ABCD on Prevention and Management
    \ Tasker, S. et al. (2018) Haemoplasmosis in cats: European guidelines from the ABCD on prevention and management. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 20(3), pp. 256-261. (doi:10.1177/1098612X18758594) There may be differences between this version and the published version. You are advised to consult the publisher’s version if you wish to cite from it. http://eprints.gla.ac.uk/203293/ Deposited on 14 November 2019 Enlighten – Research publications by members of the University of Glasgow http://eprints.gla.ac.uk Haemoplasmosis in cats. European guidelines from the ABCD on prevention and management S. Tasker, R. Hofmann-Lehmann, S. Belák, T. Frymus, D. Addie, M.G. Pennisi, C. Boucraut-Baralon, H. Egberink, K. Hartmann, MJH. Hosie, A. Lloret, F. Marsilio, A.D. Radford, E. Thiry, U. Truyen, K. Möstl Synopsis • Mycoplasma haemofelis is the most pathogenic of the three feline haemoplasma species. • ‘ M. haemominutum’ and ‘Ca. M. turicensis’ infections are less pathogenic but can result in disease in immunocompromised cats. • Male non-pedigree cats with outdoor access are more likely to be haemoplasma infected. • ‘ M. haemominutum’ is more common in older cats. • The natural mode of transmission of haemoplasma infection is not known; aggressive interactions and vectors are possibilities. • Transmission by blood transfusion is possible and all blood donors should be screened for haemoplasma infection. • Polymerase chain reaction assays are the preferred diagnostic method for haemoplasma infections. • Asymptomatic carrier cats exist for all feline haemoplasma species. • Treatment with doxycycline for 3 weeks is usually effective for haemofelis- associated clinical disease (but this may not clear infection).
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction the Prevalence of Bartonella, Hemoplasma, And
    Article The prevalence of Bartonella, hemoplasma, and Rickettsia felis infections in domestic cats and in cat fleas in Ontario Ali Kamrani, Valeria R. Parreira, Janice Greenwood, John F. Prescott Abstract The prevalence of persistent bacteremic Bartonella spp. and hemoplasma infections was determined in healthy pet cats in Ontario. Blood samples from healthy cats sent to a diagnostic laboratory for routine health assessment over the course of 1 y were tested for Bartonella spp. using both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and blood culture, and for the presence of hemoplasma by PCR. The overall prevalence of Bartonella spp. by PCR and by culture combined was 4.3% (28/646) [3.7% (24/646) Bartonella henselae, 0.6% (4/646) Bartonella clarridgeiae]. The novel B. henselae PCR developed for this study demonstrated nearly twice the sensitivity of bacterial isolation. The overall prevalence of hemoplasma was 4% (30/742) [3.3% (25/742) Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, 0.7% (5/742) Mycoplasma haemofelis]. There was no significant difference between the prevalence of infection by season or by age (# 2 y, . 2 y). Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis was identified, for the first time in Canada, in 1 cat. The prevalence of Bartonella (58%) and hemoplasma (47% M. haemofelis, 13% M. haemominutum) in blood from a small sampling (n = 45) of stray cats was considerably higher than that found in healthy pet cats. The prevalence of Rickettsia felis in cat fleas was also assessed. A pool of fleas from each of 50 flea-infested cats was analyzed for the presence of R. felis by PCR. Rickettsia felis was confirmed, for the first time in Canada, in 9 of the 50 samples.
    [Show full text]
  • 'Candidatus Mycoplasma Turicensis' Infection
    Zurich Open Repository and Archive University of Zurich Main Library Strickhofstrasse 39 CH-8057 Zurich www.zora.uzh.ch Year: 2012 Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis infection: reactivation, tissue distribution and humoral immune response Novacco, Marilisa Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-74268 Dissertation Originally published at: Novacco, Marilisa. Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis infection: reactivation, tissue distribution and humoral immune response. 2012, Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences University of Bern, Vetsuisse Faculty. ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ Infection: Reactivation, Tissue Distribution and Humoral Immune Response Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences University of Bern PhD Thesis Submitted by Marilisa Novacco from Italy Thesis advisor Prof. Dr. Regina Hofmann-Lehmann Clinical Laboratory Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich Copyright Notice This document is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No derivative works 2.5 Switzerland. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/ch/ You are free: to copy, distribute, display, and perform the work Under the following conditions: Attribution. You must give the original author credit. Non-Commercial. You may not use this work for commercial purposes. No derivative works. You may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.. For any reuse or distribution, you must take clear to others the license terms of this work. Any of these
    [Show full text]
  • Mycoplasma Haemocanis the Canine Hemoplasma and Its Feline
    do Nascimento et al. Veterinary Research 2012, 43:66 http://www.veterinaryresearch.org/content/43/1/66 VETERINARY RESEARCH RESEARCH Open Access Mycoplasma haemocanis – the canine hemoplasma and its feline counterpart in the genomic era Naíla C do Nascimento1*, Andrea P Santos1, Ana MS Guimaraes1, Phillip J SanMiguel2 and Joanne B Messick1* Abstract Mycoplasma haemocanis is a hemotrophic mycoplasma (hemoplasma), blood pathogen that may cause acute disease in immunosuppressed or splenectomized dogs. The genome of the strain Illinois, isolated from blood of a naturally infected dog, has been entirely sequenced and annotated to gain a better understanding of the biology of M. haemocanis. Its single circular chromosome has 919 992 bp and a low G + C content (35%), representing a typical mycoplasmal genome. A gene-by-gene comparison against its feline counterpart, M. haemofelis, reveals a very similar composition and architecture with most of the genes having conserved synteny extending over their entire chromosomes and differing only by a small set of unique protein coding sequences. As in M. haemofelis, M. haemocanis metabolic pathways are reduced and apparently rely heavily on the nutrients afforded by its host environment. The presence of a major percentage of its genome dedicated to paralogous genes (63.7%) suggests that this bacterium might use antigenic variation as a mechanism to evade the host’s immune system as also observed in M. haemofelis genome. Phylogenomic comparisons based on average nucleotide identity (ANI) and tetranucleotide signature suggest that these two pathogens are different species of mycoplasmas, with M. haemocanis infecting dogs and M. haemofelis infecting cats. Introduction immunosuppressed [5,9] or splenectomized dogs [5,10], Hemotrophic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are uncultiv- and has a worldwide distribution with prevalence of able cell-wall less bacteria, formerly classified as Haemo- infection varying from 0.5% to 40% [11-14].
    [Show full text]
  • Haemotropic Mycoplasmosis Ricardo G
    Haemotropic Mycoplasmosis Ricardo G. Maggi, PhD. ([email protected]) Tests available at VBDDL: PCR (serology not available as organism has not yet been isolated.) Haemotropic mycoplasmosis in dogs is associated with Mycoplasma haemocanis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum whereas haemotropic mycoplasmosis in cats is associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis (also referred to as Ohio or large form), Mycoplasma haeomominutum (also referred to as California or small form) or Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis. Collectively, these organisms were formerly known as Haemobartonella canis and Haemobartonella felis based upon visualization of organisms in dogs and cats, respectively. Haemotropic Mycoplasma species are cell-wall deficient, uncultivable bacteria that infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including humans targeting the red blood cells, where the organisms can at times be visualized on stained blood smears adhered to the erythrocyte surface. They are thought to be tick-transmitted to dogs and flea-transmitted to cats. As these bacteria have not been cultured in the laboratory, serological testing and isolation cannot be used to confirm a diagnosis. PCR amplification of organism-specific gene targets provides the most sensitive and specific approach to diagnosis. Risk factors o History of tick or flea exposure o Splenectomized animals develop disease manifestations in association with concurrent infections or after therapeutic immunosuppression. o Pregnancy. In the cat, haemotropic mycoplasmas can be transmitted from the queen to
    [Show full text]