Mycoplasma haemofelis

Feline infectious anaemia

• Caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis ( until recently, known as Haemobartonella felis)
• Organism found on surface of erythrocytes
• Common in roaming tom-cats of 1-3 years old
• Possibly transmitted via bite wounds or arthropods
• Recoverd cats become carriers

• Clinical signs
  • Peracute disease is associated with severe anaemia and immunosuppression, and can be rapidly fatal
  • Fever, anaemia, depression, weakness and jaundice occur in the acute form
  • Anaemia, lethargy and weight loss occur in the chronic form
  • Recovery can occur with a regenerative bone marrow response
  • Severe feline infectious anaemia may occur in the presence of feline leukaemia virus

• Diagnosis
  • Organism intermittently seen on the surface of red blood cells in Giemsa-stained blood smears
  • Immunofluorescence of blood smears
  • Reduced packed cell volume; regenerative anaemia

• Treatment
  • Doxycycline for 3 weeks early in the course of the disease
  • Blood transfusion
  • Flea control

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