| Molecular Detection and Identification of Haemotropic Mycoplasma Species in the Blood and Ectoparasites of Cats of Hamedan and Kermanshah, western Iran |
| Paper ID : 1164-IPCA4 (R1) |
| Authors |
|
Elham Hosseinpoor * Bu_ali_sina of univercity in Hamedan, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Background and objectives: Haemotropic Mycoplasma species ('haemoplasmas') are vector-borne pathogens in several mammalian hosts. Infection of cats and their fleas with these bacteria have been reported in many countries however, there is limited information about the epidemiology of these zoonotic pathogens in cats of Iran. The aim of this study was molecular identification of haemotropic Mycoplasma spp infected the blood of cats in Hamedan and Kermanshah, western Iran. Methods: Between October 2019 to September 2021 blood samples were collected from 87 cats in two provinces of Iran; Hamedan (n= 26) and Kermanshah (n= 61). Cats were examined for clinical abnormalities and anamnestic data for each animal was recorded. Cats were examined for ectoparasites and if present, ticks and fleas were collected. Saphenous or cephalic vein blood specimens were also collected in EDTA-coated tubes. Ectoparasites were identified morphologically. Genomic DNA of collected specimens were extracted using commercial DNA extraction kits. Extracted DNAs were examined for the presence of haemotropic Mycoplasma species using genus specific primers by conventional PCR. PCR-positive samples were sequenced and analyzed achieved DNA sequences phylogenetically. Results: Neither ticks nor fleas were observed. Thirty-Four out of 87 cats (39٪) were infected with a haemotropic Mycoplasma spp in their blood. Sequencing results confirmed the presence of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum in the examined population. Conclusion: Present study results indicate considerable infection rate with haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in cats in Hamedan and Kermanshah provinces. Effective ectoparasitic control strategies, routine examination of cats, and routine application of ectoparasiticides and repellents are advocated. Further studies are necessary for better understanding of the epidemiology of zoonotic Mycoplasma pathogens. |
| Keywords |
| Cat, Felis catus, Haemobartonella, Haemoplasma, Vector-borne |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |