The aim of this study was to investigate Mycoplasma spp. species in blood samples of the domestic cats from the province of Istanbul, Turkey. Three hundred eighty four blood samples of client-owned cats were used for the identification of Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm) and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt) by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) assays. Out of 384 blood samples, 74 (19.3%) were positive for one of Mycoplasma species. The total prevalence of Mhf, CMhm and CMt infections was 9.9%, 17.7% and 0.8% respectively. The most common species was CMhm. Co-infections were mostly with Mhf/CMhm and the frequency was 8.1%. Two cats were infected with three species. The current study was the first molecular prevalence study of hemotropic mycoplasmas in Istanbul, reporting the presence of CMt for the first time in Turkey. Prevalence of feline mycoplasma was notably high in Istanbul and PCR assay could be preferred rather than the microscopic examination for the diagnosis.

The aim of this study was to determine the parasites of laboratory and pet animals in Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 128 cages including 279 animals as 115 rabbits from 82 cages, 75 mice from 5 cages, 28 rats from 7 cages, 26 guinea pigs from 23 cages and 35 hamsters from 11 cages were used. Faecal samples were obtained from 8 commercial pet shops in 6 different districts of Istanbul and 2 laboratory animal suppliers. All samples were examined by flotation technique using saturated salt solution. Eimeria spp. oocysts were found in the faeces of rabbits, hamsters and mice, and the prevalence of the infections were 29.6%, 28.6% and 20%, respectively. Two of 115 rabbits were infected with Passalurus ambiguus (1.7%). Trichurid eggs were determined in 2 of 35 hamsters (5.7%). Mice were infected with Syphacia spp., Aspiculuris spp. and the infection ratios were 20% and 40% respectively. Out of 28 rats, 20 were infected with only Syphacia spp. (71.4%). No parasites were observed in guinea pigs' faeces. Laboratory animals were used not only as experimental animals but also as pets. Therefore coprological examinations for parasite eggs and oocysts are important for treatment and control of the infections in these animals and for protecting the human health because of zoonotic potential of some species.