Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of feline hemoplasmas in domestic cats in Iran

Three known feline hemoplasmas are Mycoplsama haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. They are described as cause of feline infectious anemia in domestic and wild felids. Other blood parasites or blood-related pathogens like concurrent retroviral infections may deteriorate the clinical condition and severity of anemia. The aims of this study were molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of hemoplasmas in domestic cats in Iran for the first time. Blood samples were collected from 185 healthy and diseased domestic cats. Blood smears were prepared and hematological parameters were measured to determine possible anemia. Using 16S rRNA gene universal and species specific polymerase chain reactions with the following sequencing, 47 (25.40%) of cats were hemoplasma positive. Also, 17.02%, 72.50% and 40.40% of total positive samples were M. haemofelis, ‘Ca. M. haemominutum’ and ‘Ca. M. turicensis’ infected, respectively. 10 (21.20%) of hemoplasma positive cats had anemic blood profiles (HCT < 24.00%). All M. haemofelis infected cases were included. Partial 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis revealed a high identity between the hemoplasma species found in this study and domestic cat sequences existing in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 94.00% to 100% sequence identity between sequences of this study and existing sequences in Genbank. All hemoplasma isolates in this study were grouped within a single clade and additionally subdivided into two groups; haemofelis group including M. haemofelis and ‘Ca. M. turicensis’ and haemominutum group including ‘Ca. M. haemominutum’.