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. 2025 Feb 28;70(2):62.
doi: 10.1007/s11686-025-01002-5.

Molecular Investigation and Characterization of Mycoplasma spp. infections in Naturally Infected Cats in Thailand

Kiattisak Pimpjong  1 , Kanokwan Ratyotha  1 , Thanvarat Rungruang  1 , Napaporn Thongpriam  1 , Kotchaphon Vaisusuk  2 , Supawadee Piratae  3   4   5
Affiliations

Molecular Investigation and Characterization of Mycoplasma spp. infections in Naturally Infected Cats in Thailand

Kiattisak Pimpjong et al. Acta Parasitol. .

Abstract

Purpose: Mycoplasma spp. are hemotropic parasites that attach to the surface of red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia in infected cats. These pathogens can result in significant clinical consequences, including death if left untreated. Despite their importance, molecular studies on Mycoplasma infections in Thailand remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Mycoplasma spp. infections in cats, identify specific species involved, and assess hematologic changes in infected cats. Additionally, phylogenetic relationships of Mycoplasma species were analyzed.

Methods: A total of 149 blood samples were collected from cats visiting veterinary hospitals in four provinces of Thailand including Samut Prakan, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, and Maha Sarakham for routine check-ups, vaccinations, or illness, without specific signs of infection. PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene was used to detect Mycoplasma spp., followed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis for species identification.

Results: The overall prevalence of Mycoplasma spp. infection was 17.45% (95% CI: 11.73-24.51), comprising Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm) (14.09%), Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) (2.01%), and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt) (1.34%). Sequencing of 26 positive PCR products identified CMhm in 21 samples, Mhf in 3 samples, and CMt in 2 samples, revealing seven distinct haplotypes. All Mycoplasma species identified in this study showed 99-100% nucleotide similarity with those available in the GenBank database. Hematologic analysis revealed no significant changes in most parameters, except for a statistically significant decrease in platelet count (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: This study provides information on the molecular epidemiology and genetic identification of Mycoplasma spp., contributing to a better understanding of hemoplasma infections in Thai cats, which will aid in the control of these microorganisms.

Keywords: Mycoplasma spp.; Cat; Hematological parameters; Hemotropic parasites; Thailand.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics statements: All experimental procedures involving animals were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Mahasarakham University (IACUC-MSU-04/2023).

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