Investigation ofMycoplasma haemolamaeinfection in crias born to infected dams

Neonatology and Neonatal Disorders

“…Mycoplasma haemolamae infection has also been identified in newborns and may be identified on blood smear or by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 4 Measuring plasma Ig concentrations also may provide indirect evidence of sepsis. Low immunoglobulin G (IgG) in a neonate may either be a predisposing factor to sepsis, often related to FPT, or reflect Ig consumption caused by infection.…”

Clinical Pathology

“…15 The mode of transmission has not been proven for this infection, although evidence of in utero or periparturient infection is strong. 16,17 The prevalence of this organism in camelids in the United States, based on positive PCR amplification, is approximately 30%, with no gender or species predilection. 18 Heinz body anemia has been reported in alpacas that had previously ingested red maple (Acer rubrum) leaves.…”

Diseases of the Cardiovascular and Hemolymphatic Systems

“…Blood loss may be external or internal, with internal parasites such as Mycoplasma haemolamae, Eimeria, liver flukes, and gastric nematodes the most common culprits. [57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71] The importance of Haemonchus contortus, in particular, has been recognized in recent years, particularly with increasing concerns of anthelmintic resistance among GI nematodes. Haemonchosis is the most common cause in our area for PCV less than 10% in camelids; GI neoplasms, and mycoplasmosis are rarer causes.…”

“…Biting insects may play a role, and the identification of infection in presuckling neonates suggests that vertical transmission may also occur. 63 Most infected camelids show no clinical abnormalities beyond episodic parasitemia. If one infected camelid is identified in a herd, it is likely that others are infected as well, often with varying degrees of illness, including some in apparent good health.…”

“…It has been seen in camelids of all ages, including neonates less than 1 day old. 63 Those that are ill may show anything from mild signs, including progressive lethargy, long-lived in camelids, that is, transfusions are more than just an emergency procedure. Routinely transfusing camelids with PCV at 12% or less and occasionally transfusing when the PCV is between 13% and 16% appears to be a reasonable strategy.…”