Mycoplasma haemofelis
| Mycoplasma haemofelis | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Bacteria |
| Phylum: | Tenericutes |
| Class: | Mollicutes |
| Order: | Mycoplasmatales |
| Family: | Mycoplasmataceae |
| Genus: | Mycoplasma |
| Binomial name | |
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Mycoplasma haemofelis Neimark 2002 |
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Mycoplasma haemofelis (formerly Haemobartonella felis) is a gram negative epierythrocytic parasitic bacterium. It often appears in bloodsmears as small (0.6μM) coccoid bodies, sometimes forming short chains of 3 to 6 organisms. It is usually the causative agent of Feline Infectious Anemia (FIA) in the United States.
The ~1200kb genome contains a minimalistic assortment of genes limited to the most basic cellular functions. This leaves M. haemofelis inextricably dependent upon its host for the provision of amino acids, cholesterol, vitamins, and fatty acids. The complex and specific conditions the bacterium requires have made it impossible to culture outside a host thus far.
Arthropod vectors are thought to be the primary source of infection, although M. haemofelis is also known to be transmitted from queen to kitten and following blood transfusion. Immunocompromization and/or coinfection with FeLV, FIV, and other Mycoplasma species can exacerbate symptoms or cause symptoms to arise in previously asymptomatic individuals. Symptoms include anemia, lethargy, fever, and anorexia.
In suspected cases, M. haemofelis can be identified by polymerase chain reaction analysis for species-specific 16S rRNA sequences as well as by light microscopy. Treatment usually includes the administration of doxycycline or enrofloxacin to quell the infection along with transfusion and administration of glucocorticoids to alleviate anemia.
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