Molecular investigation of Mycoplasma haemofelis in stray cats in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Mycoplasma haemofelis (M. haemofelis) is a gram-negative, epicellular bacteria
that infects feline red cells (RBC). The pathogen appears as small blue cocci, rings, or rods on
the edges or across the surface of RBCs and often causes haemolytic anemia. However, the
epizootiology of M. haemofelis is still poorly understood. So far, there are only a few studies
that have been carried out to determine the prevalence of M. haemofelis. Most of the studies
were conducted in Europe and other continents and the epidemiology of M. haemofelis in
Malaysia, particularly in stray cats have not been reported. In this study, 60 blood samples
were collected from stray cats in Kota Bharu and were examined by using thin blood smear
and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. This study showed that seven out of the 60
blood samples were positive for M. haemofelis by using PCR. Thus the prevalence rate of M.
haemofelis in stray cats in Kota Bharu from this study was 11.7%. However, more studies with
larger sample size and diverse sample distribution should be conducted to better understand
the occurrence of this pathogen in both housed and stray cats. Moreover, the genetic variability
of M. haemofelis infecting domestic and wild animals need to be conducted to verify the
relationship among geographic distribution, genetic diversity and the potential threats to
animal and human health.