Use of Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction to Monitor Antibiotic Therapy in a Dog with Naturally Acquired Mycoplasma haemocanis Infection

Abstract

Abstract. Mycoplasma haemocanis is a hemotropic bacterium that can be associated with acute hemolytic disease in immunocompromised or splenectomized dogs. The present case report describes for the first time the use of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to monitor M. haemocanis infection in a splenectomized dog. The report also describes the application of real-time qPCR for the analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from stained blood films. The analysis of blood films from the time of initial presentation allowed a retrospective confirmation of M. haemocanis infection. The M. haemocanis copy numbers remained high throughout antibiotic treatment of this dog. A decline in copy numbers was only recorded after 11 months of therapy, when improvements in clinical and hematological indices were also noted. Clearance of infection was not achieved, and the dog remained positive for M. haemocanis at 3.5 months postcessation of antibiotic therapy. Cytological examination of blood films for the presence of organisms was insensitive for the detection of parasitemia.

Infectious diseases in dogs rescued during dogfighting investigations

“…These two studies combined with the current study suggest that breeds used for fighting are at increased risk for hemotropic mycoplasma infection, which may share similar modes of transmission with B. gibsoni . Because the incidence of clinical disease attributed to hemotropic mycoplasma infections is low in immunocompetent animals, and because treatment has not been shown to eliminate infection (Hulme-Moir et al, 2010; Sykes et al, 2004), the dogs in this study population were not treated for hemotropic mycoplasma infections.…”

Infectious agent screening in canine blood donors in the United Kingdom

“…Similarly, Hulme‐Moir et al . () identified M. haemocanis infection in a non‐travelled UK dog. Bartonella henselae is also considered uncommon in dogs in the UK (Barnes et al .…”

“…Infection with haemotropic mycoplasmas, although uncommon, has been reported in the UK (Hulme‐Moir et al . , Pitorri et al . ).…”

Hemoplasma Infections

“…43 Infection also persisted after treatment with enrofloxacin, despite eventual recovery from anemia. Real-time PCR could be used to monitor response to antibiotic treatment if quantitative information is available.…”