Background: Feline haemotropic mycoplasma are a group of pleomorphic bacteria causing hemolytic anemia along with anorexia, lethargy, dehydration, weight loss and in many cases sudden death in infected animal. However, there is a limited data on the prevalence of these organisms in Iranian cats. Methods: We investigated the presence of feline haemotropic mycoplasma and probable risk factors for these infections among 60 ectoparasite-infested stray cats in southeast of Iran using PCR assay. Results: The overall prevalence of haemotropic mycoplasma was estimated 18.3%. Pallor mucous membrane, anorexia, weight loss and splenomegaly were the most common signs and the infection rate was significantly higher in symptomatic cats in comparison with apparently healthy ones (P = 0.001). Age, gender and hematological alterations were not significantly associated with infection status while the level of BUN, creatinine, total protein and globulin were significantly higher among infected animals. |