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Journal of Clinical Microbiology, December 2006, p. 4430-4435, Vol. 44, No. 12
0095-1137/06/$08.00+0     doi:10.1128/JCM.00987-06
Copyright © 2006, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Phylogenetic Analysis of "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" Isolates from Pet Cats in the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa, with Analysis of Risk Factors for Infection{triangledown}

Barbara Willi,1 Séverine Tasker,2 Felicitas S. Boretti,3 Marcus G. Doherr,4 Valentino Cattori,1 Marina L. Meli,1 Remo G. Lobetti,5 Richard Malik,6 Claudia E. Reusch,3 Hans Lutz,1 and Regina Hofmann-Lehmann1*

Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,1 School of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, United Kingdom,2 Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,3 Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland,4 Bryanston Veterinary Hospital, Bryanston 2021, South Africa,5 Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia6

Received 11 May 2006/ Returned for modification 26 September 2006/ Accepted 1 October 2006

Two hemotropic mycoplasmas have been recognized in cats, Mycoplasma haemofelis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum." We recently described a third feline hemoplasma species, designated "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis," in a Swiss cat with hemolytic anemia. This isolate induced anemia after experimental transmission to two specific-pathogen-free cats and analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed its close relationship to rodent hemotropic mycoplasmas. The agent was recently shown to be prevalent in Swiss pet cats. We sought to investigate the presence and clinical importance of "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" infection in pet cats outside of Switzerland and to perform the molecular characterization of isolates from different countries. A "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis"-specific real-time PCR assay was applied to blood samples from 426 United Kingdom (UK), 147 Australian, and 69 South African pet cats. The 16S rRNA genes of isolates from different countries were sequenced and signalment and laboratory data for the cats were evaluated for associations with "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" infection. Infections were detected in samples from UK, Australian, and South African pet cats. Infection was associated with the male gender, and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" and M. haemofelis coinfection. Coinfected cats exhibited significantly lower packed cell volume (PCV) values than uninfected cats. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that some Australian and South African "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" isolates branched away from the remaining isolates. In summary, "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" infection in pet cats exists over a wide geographical area and significantly decreased PCV values are observed in cats coinfected with other feline hemoplasmas.

* Corresponding author. Mailing address: Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland. Phone: 41 (44) 635 83 22. Fax: 41 (44) 635 89 23. E-mail: rhofmann{at}vetclinics.unizh.ch.

{triangledown} Published ahead of print on 11 October 2006.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, December 2006, p. 4430-4435, Vol. 44, No. 12
0095-1137/06/$08.00+0     doi:10.1128/JCM.00987-06
Copyright © 2006, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.



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