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چکیده
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Background and objectives: Haemotropic Mycoplasma species are vector-borne pathogens in several mammalians. Infection of cats and their fleas with these bacteria have been reported in many countries however, there is limited information about the epidemiology of these zoonotic pathogens in cats in Iran. The aim of this study was molecular identification of haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in the blood of cats in Hamedan and Kermanshah. Methods: Between October 2019 to September 2021 blood samples were collected from 87 cats in two western provinces of Iran; Hamedan (n= 26) and Kermanshah (n= 61). Cats were examined for ectoparasites infestation, ticks and fleas were collected from individual animals and clinical data for each animal was recorded. Ectoparasites were identified morphologically. Genomic DNA of ticks, fleas and blood samples were extracted using commercial DNA extraction kits. Extracted DNAs were assayed for presence of heamotropic Mycoplasma using Mycoplasma genus specific primers by conventional PCR. PCR-positive samples were sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically. Results: Thirty-Four of 87 cats (39٪) were infected with haemotropic Mycoplasma. Sequencing results confirmed the presence of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum species in the examined cats. Mycoplasma spp. were not detected in the examined Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks and ctenocephalides felis collected from cats. Conclusion: Present study results indicate considerable infection rate with haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in cats in Hamedan and Kermanshah provinces. Effective ectoparasite control strategies, regular examination of cats and chemoprophylaxis with ectoparasiticides are advocated. Further studies are necessary for better understanding of the epidemiology this neglected zoonotic pathogen. Keywords: Cat, Flea, Haemotropic Mycoplasma, Tick, Vector-borne pathogens, Zoonotic pathogens
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