Molecular detection of Mycoplasma spp. and its associated risk factors in domestic cats in the city of Ibagué, Tolima

Feline hemoplasmosis is a disease with worldwide distribution, mainly in tropical countries, where its transmission is favored by the presence of vectors such as fleas and ticks. In Colombia, the diagnosis of the disease in small animals has been limited to the identification of the pathogen in blood smears, which have low sensitivity and specificity, demanding methods of higher diagnostic value, such as those based on molecular techniques. The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Mycoplasma spp. in felines from the city of Ibagué using the PCR and the associated risk factors. Briefly, blood samples were taken from cats (n=150), DNA was extracted, and Mycoplasma spp. DNA was detected by PCR. Additionally, a survey was carried out on the owners to determine possible risk factors associated with the presence of the pathogen. The study revealed a prevalence of 16.6% of cats positive for Mycoplasma spp. The results showed a higher incidence in cats older than one year compared to males and a greater predisposition when the cats were positive for FIV and FeLV. It is noteworthy that most of the cats have outdoor access, do not have a vaccination for FeLV, or have not carried out diagnostic tests for viral diseases, which may underestimate the health status of the cats. This first epidemiological report in the city of Ibague highlights the demand for molecular diagnosis for hemotropic pathogens and includes hemoplasma in the differential diagnosis scheme for cats.