D3551 - Mycoplasma haemofelis
(Haemobartonella felis)

Description:

Feline haemobartonellosis is caused by a tiny, microscopic protozoal parasite Haemobartonella felis, which attacks the cat's red blood cells within the circulation. The damaged cells may die leading to anaemia. Mycoplasma haemofelis can be transmitted from female cats with clinical disease to their newborn offspring in the absence of arthropod vectors. The severity of disease produced by Mycoplasma haemofelis varies from cats that are mildly anaemic and without clinical signs, to cats that are markedly depressed and die as a result of severe anaemia. The most common clinical signs in ill cats are depression, weakness, anorexia, weight loss and paleness of mucous membrane. Studies have estimated the prevalence of this parasite in the feline population to vary from 0.9 to 28%.

Diagnosis:

Mycoplasma haemofelis has not been successfully grown in agar or cell cultures. The readily available method for diagnosis Mycoplasma haemofelis infection in cats is microscopic identification of organisms attached to the surfaces of erythrocytes in Wright-Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smears. Recently, a PCR test has been developed to detect Mycoplasma haemofelis in blood of infected cats. Using PCR analysis, it is possible to detect the pathogen in blood samples obtained from cats during peak parasitemia, during most of the carrier phase, and after challenge with immunosuppressive drugs. Positive result confirms infection.

Sample:

Whole blood (3 ml) in a lavender top (EDTA) tube.

Special Handling:

Store sample at 4°C until pick up or shipment.

Test Code:

D3551

1. Messick et al. (1998) Development and evaluation of a PCR-based assay for detection of Haemobartonella felis in cats and differentiation of H.felis from related bacteria by restricted fragment length polymorphism analysis. J. Clin. Microbiol. 36:462-466.