Feline Haemoplasma QPCR
Haemoplasmosis infection in cats was previously known as haemobartonellosis and more than one species of haemoplasma can infect cats.
‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ appears to cause mild anaemia in cats, although more severe disease has been reported in immunosuppressed cats, such as those with FeLV and/or FIV infection or those on chemotherapy. Studies have not yet demonstrated an efficacious treatment for clearance of ‘Candidatus M. haemominutum’ infection but we would recommend treating an infected cat with doxycycline.
Mycoplasma haemofelis is a species known to cause relatively severe haemolytic anaemia in cats. We know that this infection responds well to treatment with doxycycline, enrofloxacin or marbofloxacin. Our studies suggest that 6 weeks of antibiotic treatment is probably required to increase the likelihood of clearance of infection with M. haemofelis. ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ can also cause a severe haemolytic anaemia, particularly in immunosuppressed cats. Treatment studies for ‘Candidatus M. turicensis’ have not yet been performed so we would currently recommend that doxycycline treatment for 6 weeks is instigated.
The Molecular Diagnostic Unit has developed three QPCR tests for feline haemoplasmosis so that all samples submitted for testing are automatically screened for all three feline haemoplasma species. These tests are able to detect and quantify the amount of each haemoplasma DNA in your patient’s blood; allowing response to treatment to be monitored by repeat QPCR testing. We would recommend testing during treatment if a clinical response has not been seen. Repeat QPCR testing at the end of treatment can be used to ensure that haemoplasma DNA is no longer detectable in the blood if treatment has been effective. A haemoplasma QPCR test is also indicated in healthy cats intended to be used as blood donors, since we know asymptomatic carrier cats exist and it is important to prevent inadvertent infection of cats via blood transfusions.
A blood smear showing feline haemoplasmas (arrowed), which can only be quantified reliably using QPCR.
The sample required for the triple haemoplasma QPCR test is 0.5 ml of EDTA anticoagulated blood.
Additionally, each haemplasma QPCR includes an internal amplification control to ensure that a valid diagnostic result is produced for every submitted sample.
PCR is the ONLY reliable way to diagnose haemoplasma infection in cats!
For more information about this assay please see our publications