Molecular detection of Hemotropic mycoplasma in stray dogs in Mosul city, Iraq

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are epierythrocytic, and a wall-deficient bacterium within the order Mycoplasmatales can induce temperate or menacing anemia in mammals and be documented as emerging zoonotic disease, throughout the world. It is cause canine hemoplasmosis which is most often symptomless; and risky in immunosuppression dogs. The molecular detection aimed towards defining the status of this microorganism in stray canines in Mosul city. During a period from March 2022 to March 2023, blood specimens from one hundred (50 males, 30 bitches, and 20 puppies) stray dogs were evaluated, conventional polymerase chain reaction (c-PCR) method using 16Sr RNA gene, was employed to detect the presence of Hemotropic mycoplasma DNA. Mycoplasma hemocanis was detected in 40% (95% CI=32.6-46.9%) of dogs. The positive infection rates were dominant in males (48.3%, 95% CI=32.4-69.4) and adults (43.8%, 95% CI=30.4-60.9) dogs in comparison to bitches and puppies respectively. No significant relationship was found between molecular-positive animals and skin lesions, and among emaciated dogs compared to asymptomatic dogs. In conclusion, the molecular study focused in Mosul city, Iraq, reveals a substantial prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasma in stray dogs, highlighting the need for effective control procedures to decrease the spread of hazards to people and other mammalians.