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Also known as: Haemobartonellosis
Caused by: Mycoplasma haemofelis also known as Haemobartonella felis
| Mycoplasma haemofelis | |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Firmicutes |
| Class | Mollicutes |
| Order | Mycoplasmatales |
| Family | Mycoplasmataceae |
| Genus | Mycoplasma |
| Species | M.haemofelis |
Description
An infectious disease of the cat caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis which until recently was known as Haemobartonella felis. It is a species of the Mycoplasmas genus which causes Feline Infectious Anaemia.
The organism is found on the surface of erythrocytes and is considered an opportunistic infection that causes illness following predisposing factors. It is possible to be transmitted via bite wounds, biting arthropods, via blood transfusions and from a queen to her kittens. The organism causes a cyclic parasitaemia in affected cats and infected animals, despite mounting an immune response, will become carriers of the organism.
Signalment
Almost half of the cats infected have concurrent Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV).
The disease is common in roaming Tom cats 1-3 years old.
Clinical signs
The 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. In the chronic form animals present with anaemia, lethargy and weight loss.
Cyclic fever may also occur during the transient period of parasitaemia.
Recovery can occur with a regenerative bone marrow response, however severe anaemia may occur in the presence of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV).
Diagnosis
The best diagnostic test is a PCR, which is very sensitive and enables differentiation of the different species.
The organism can also be diagnosed on blood smears. The organism can be intermittently seen microscopically on the surface of red blood cells on Giemsa-stained blood smears. The organism stains blue and can look like rings or rods.
Erythrophagocytosis may be evident and parasitised erythrocytes will become spherical.
The organism must be differentiated from Howell-Jolly bodies and other parasites. Due to the cyclic parasitaemia the organism causes, negative blood smears will not rule out the disease.
Additionally Immunofluorescence of blood smears can demonstrate the organism.
Haematology will show a decreased packed cell volume and a low red blood cell count. The anaemia is usually regenerative. FeLV infection is associated with macrocytosis.
Treatment
Infected cats should be treated with doxycycline for 3 weeks twice daily. Enrofloxacin is also a good treatment choice especially in refractory cases when combined with doxycycline.
A blood transfusion may also be required in cases of severe anaemia.
As blood sucking endoparasites, such as Fleas, are thought to spread disease the animal should also receive flea treatment.
Prednisolone is also advised to treat the immune mediated mechanisms and to prevent further erythrophagocytosis.
Prognosis
Varied prognosis depending on the severity of the anaemia at presentation. If not treated 1/3 of affected animals will die. Antibiotics do not clear the infection so many cats become carriers of the organism however relapses are uncommon.
| Feline Infectious Anaemia Learning Resources | |
|---|---|
 Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions |
Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Q&A 12 |
Literature Search
Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
Mycoplasma haemofelis publications
References
Ettinger, S.J, Feldman, E.C. (2005) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine (6th edition, volume 2)W.B. Saunders Company
Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial