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

Abstract

Objective - To determine prevalences of various hemoplasma species among cats in the United States with possible hemoplasmosis and identify risk factors for and clinicopathologic abnormalities associated with infection with each species. Design - Cross-sectional study. Animals - 310 cats with cytologic evidence of hemoplasmosis (n = 9) or acute or regenerative anemia (309). Procedures - Blood samples were tested by means of a broad-spectrum conventional PCR assay for hemoplasma DNA and by means of 3 separate species-specific real-time PCR assays for DNA from "Candidateis Mycoplasma haemominutum" (Mhm), Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), and "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" (Mtc). Results - Overall prevalences of Mhm, Mhf, and Mtc infection were 23.2% (72/310), 4.8% (15/310), and 6.5% (20/310), respectively. Mixed infections were detected in 20 (6.5%) cats. Cats infected with hemoplasmas were more likely to be male than were uninfected cats. Infection with FeLV or FIV was significantly associated with infection with Mhf. Compared with uninfected cats, cats infected with Mhf had higher reticulocyte counts, nucleated RBC counts, and mean corpuscular volume; cats infected with Mhm had higher mean corpuscular volume; and cats infected with Mtc had higher monocyte counts. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance - Results supported the suggestion that these 3 hemoplasma species commonly occur among cats in the United States and that pathogenicity of the 3 species varies.