Investigation and Phylogenetic Analysis of Hemoplasma Species In Cats In Different Regions of Türkiye By Molecular Methods

Feline haemoplasma species, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm), Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, (CMt) and Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) are frequent causes of chronic and acute diseases in cats. The current study aims to research the presence and genetic variety of Mycoplasma spp. in cats from different parts of Türkiye using molecular methods. In this study, 460 blood samples collected from cats from various parts of Türkiye (Malatya, Istanbul, Denizli, Konya, and Ankara) within the scope of different studies were investigated. Total genomic DNAs were obtained from the samples. The presence and phylogenetic position of feline haemoplasma species of feline hemoplasma species were detected using triplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis of 16S SSU rRNA gene. Seven (1.52%) of 460 cat blood samples were found to be positive by triplex- PCR. CMhm was identified in six (1.30%) samples, whereas CMt was detected in two (0.43%) samples. Only one sample (0.21%) was infected with both CMhm and CMt. Mhf was not identified in the study. In addition, according to the sequence results, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected between both CMt and CMhm isolates. The results of the study revealed that haemoplasma infections are circulating in cats from different parts of Türkiye. It is considered to be very important to perform routine screening and develop effective control and prophylactic strategies to minimize infection.