Feline haemobartonellosis: a disease with uncertain mode of transmission

12 February 2024

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FELINE HAEMOBARTONELLOSIS: A DISEASE WITH UNCERTAIN MODE OF TRANSMISSION

WHAT IS FELINE HAEMOBARTONELLOSIS ?

Feline haemobartonellosis (or feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis) is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria of the Mycoplasma genus (Mycoplasma haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum) which parasitizes red blood cells and can cause severe hemolytic anemia.

It is difficult to date to precisely define the mode of transmission of the disease. However, it is possible that fleas and ticks 1 are vectors of transmission, as are bites ² or blood transfusions ^3,4 . Certain factors can increase the risk of Mycoplasma infection or worsen the disease such as sex, age, presence of bites, infection by a retrovirus (FeLV or FIV seropositivity), lack of pedigree or access to the outside ^1.5 .

Some cats affected by hemobartonellosis may be asymptomatic or present non-specific signs (lethargy, anorexia, dehydration) while for others, the disease can induce acute hemolysis which can lead to death 5 .

Dogs can also be affected by hemobartonellosis caused primarily by Mycoplasma haemocanis or Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum . The mode of transmission is just as uncertain as in cats.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION AND HUMAN HEALTH RISK

Feline hemobartonellosis has been detected worldwide, however its prevalence varies between regions ¹⁰ .

Until now, the zoonotic potential of the responsible bacteria has been neglected. However, some data suggests possible interspecies transmission ^{11,12,13,14,15} .

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

The definitive diagnosis can be established by performing a blood smear and/or PCR. However, microscopic examination of a blood smear can be difficult to interpret since the bacteria causing hemobartonellosis can easily be confused with other structures (Howell-Joly bodies) or staining artifacts. Other tests such as blood tests, urine tests or infectious serology may prove to be not very specific but can guide the diagnosis.

Direct detection of the presence of the bacteria in the blood by DNA amplification remains the test of choice ^6,7,8 . The Astéria Hémobart tests allow rapid detection in 30 minutes in cats of Mycoplasma haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and in dogs of Mycoplasma haemocanis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum .

TREATMENT

Treatment is indicated in symptomatic cats and is based on the administration of an antibiotic (particularly tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones) ⁵ . To date, antibiotic treatments are unlikely to completely eliminate the bacteria, so infected cats may remain asymptomatic carriers for months or even years. However, reactivation of clinical disease appears rare ⁹ . Apart from antibiotic treatment, transfusion, corticosteroids, and various adjuvant medications can be used depending on the symptoms. Treatment combined with effective prevention of flea infestation remains necessary.

ADVANTAGES OF ENALEES TESTS

TECHNOLOGY

Our tests use isothermal PCR technology: LAMP technology which directly detects the pathogen’s DNA.

SENSITIVITY

The Astéria Hémobart kit has sensitivity identical to that of PCR.

It makes it possible to detect the species Mycoplasma haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum responsible for the disease in cats.

SPEED

Results are obtained in 30 minutes at the patient’s bedside.

ANIMAL WELLBEING

The cat can be treated the same day, the owner is immediately informed of the condition of his animal.

COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT DIAGNOSTIC METHODS

	Cytology	PCR in lab	Enalees tests (LAMP technology)
Species typing	•	•	•
Sensitivity	•	•	•
Specificity	•	•	•
Dalay of respond	•	•	•

Bibliography

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²Museux, K., Boretti, F.S., Willi, B., Riond, B., Hoelzle, K., Hoelzle, L.E., Wittenbrink, M.M., Tasker, S., Wengi, N., Reusch, C.E., Lutz, H., Hofmann-Lehmann, R., 2009. In vivo transmission studies of “Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis” in the domestic cat. Vet. Res. 40, 45. https://doi.org/10.1051/vetres/2009028

³Gary, A.T., Richmond, H.L., Tasker, S., Hackett, T.B., Lappin, M.R., 2006. Survival of Mycoplasma haemofelis and “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” in blood of cats used for transfusions. J. Feline Med. Surg. 8, 321–326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2006.04.005

⁴Willi, B., Boretti, F.S., Baumgartner, C., Tasker, S., Wenger, B., Cattori, V., Meli, M.L., Reusch, C.E., Lutz, H., Hofmann-Lehmann, R., 2006. Prevalence, risk factor analysis, and follow-up of infections caused by three feline hemoplasma species in cats in Switzerland. J. Clin. Microbiol. 44, 961–969. https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.44.3.961-969.2006

⁵Barker, E.N., 2019. Update on Feline Hemoplasmosis. Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. 49, 733–743. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.02.009

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