Genetic characterization and risk factors for feline hemoplasma infection in semi-domesticated cats in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

<jats:p>Background and Aim: Stray cats are a reservoir for various zoonotic diseases relevant to public health in Thailand. The vector-borne infection, hemoplasmosis, also known as infectious anemia, is one such disease carried by domestic and wild felids. This study focuses on molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of hemoplasma in semi-domesticated cats in Bangkok, Thailand. Materials and Methods: In total, 473 blood samples were collected from 53 temple communities in 34 metropolitan districts and assayed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify partial 16S rRNA genes for hemoplasma detection. Risk factors for hemoplasma infection (gender, age, free-roaming, and ectoparasite exposure) were analyzed using Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using R software (version 3.6.1). A phylogenetic tree was established from genetic characterization of hemoplasmas. Results: In total, 180 samples (38.05%) were positive for hemoplasma. Of half of the positive sequenced samples, 83.33% were infected with Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm), 13.33% with Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), and 3.33% with Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). Cats over 5 years old were more likely to be infected than younger cats (p&lt;0.005, OR=3.8, 95% CI=1.64-4.78). Cats were diagnosed as positive based on PCR assays in 97% (33/34) of districts surveyed. The phylogenetic tree showed two majority clusters with three clades of feline hemotropic mycoplasma. Conclusion: Overall, the survey shows the prevalence (38.05%) and distribution of feline hemoplasma in semi-domesticated cats. This information will contribute to effective prevention and control strategies to minimize infections by feline vector-borne pathogens in Thailand.</jats:p>

Prevalence of hemoplasmas and <i>Bartonella</i> species in client-owned cats in Beijing and Shanghai, China

“…Coinfections by two hemoplasma species were observed in some cats, including three specimens with CMhm and Mhf (0.4%) and one with Mhf and CMt (0.1%), but none with three hemoplasma species (i.e., CMhm, Mhf and CMt ). The positive rate of hemoplasmas (i.e., 4.9%) is much lower than an earlier study conducted in a southern city Guangzhou, China, (i.e., 41.4%) [ 27 ], and those reported in other countries, including Japan (26.4%) [ 21 ], Thailand (38.1%) [ 3 ], South Korea (47.9%) [ 6 ], Iran (22%) [ 4 ], the United States (18% to 27%) [ 19 , 20 ], and the United Kingdom (18% to 27%) [ 14 ].…”

Molecular survey of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasmas in American minks ( Neovison vison )

“…No risk factors for PCR positivity were identified as none of the evaluated potential factors (province, gender, and age categories) presented a likelihood‐ratio test p ‐value below the established cut‐off for the two bacterial pathogens. Similarly, no association between feline haemoplasma infection and gender in wild felids (Willi et al., 2007) and semi‐domesticated cats (Do et al., 2020) was previously observed. Aditionally, gender and age were not considered risk factors for Bartonella in cheetahs ( Acinonyx jubatus ) from Africa (Molia et al., 2004), and for small mammals from China (Liu et al., 2010).…”

Detection and genetic characterization of "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomacaque" infection among long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Thailand using broad-range nested polymerase chain reaction assay

“…and lice, which might be vital in the transmission of these bacteria [ 3 ]. Hemoplasma infections are often detected in a wide range of mammalian species, including humans [ 4 , 5 ], dogs [ 6 , 7 ], cats [ 8 , 9 ], pigs [ 10 ], rodents [ 3 ], sheep, goats [ 11 ], and water buffaloes [ 12 ]. Several species of hemoplasmas were also detected in non-human primates, including “ Candidatus Mycoplasma kahanei” in squirrel monkeys ( Saimiri sciureus ) and howler monkeys [ 13 , 14 ]; “ Ca.…”