Investigation of Some Clinicopathologic Alterations in Cats Infected With <i>Mycoplasma haemofelis</i> and <i>Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum</i> in Mashhad, Iran: An Observational Cross‐Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Data on feline hemotropic mycoplasmas is limited in Iran. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the infection rate of cats with this pathogen in Mashhad,Iran and evaluate its assosiation with cliniopathological changes. MATERIAS & METHODS: Blood samples from 100 cats presenting at veterinary clinics were analysed for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm). Samples were screened for hemotropic mycoplasmas using microscopic examination and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Samples were also subjected to haematological and biochemical analysis. RESULTS: Microscopic examination detected hemotropic mycoplasmas in 65% of samples, whereas PCR identified a 23% infection rate, with 65.21% (n = 15) positive for CMhm and 34.78% (n = 8) for Mhf. The presence of Haemomycoplasma DNA was significantly associated with age, gender, breed and roaming status (p < 0.05). Infected cats exhibited significant alterations (p < 0.05) in haematocrit (Hct), red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil counts, serum total protein (TP), globulin, phosphorus (Pi), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and the albumin/globulin ratio (AGR). CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights a high prevalence of feline hemoplasmosis in northeastern Iran, with CMhm as the predominant species. Key risk factors included male gender, adult, outdoor access and domestic short hair (DSH) breed. Although infected cats showed consistent clinicopathologic changes, no differences were observed between Mhf and CMhm infections.