2006-07: Project Eight
How prevalent is hemotrophic Mycoplasma infection in local feline populations?
Drs. Elisabeth Snead, Belle Marie Nibblett, Sue Taylor, Klaas Post, Marion Jackson and Cheryl Waldner
In this two-part study, WCVM researchers are investigating the prevalence of two species of hemotrophic Mycoplasma in two local feline populations, then evaluating the treatment of subclinical infection with a new antibiotic therapy. Formerly classified as Haemobartonella, hemotrophic Mycoplasma are extracellular parasites of red blood cells that cause anemia in cats. In fact, up to 15 per cent of healthy cats may be subclinically infected with two bacteria species: Mycoplasma haemofelis and Mycoplasma haemominutum.
First, researchers will conduct an epidemiologic study to determine the prevalence of hemotrophic Mycoplasma infections in two distinct populations: cats from the Saskatoon SPCA, and healthy housecats undergoing spay and neuter procedures at the WCVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The research team will use PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and other tests to quantify the amount of bacteria present, to identify the strain of bacteria and to search for anemia indicators. In the study’s second stage, scientists will evaluate the efficacy of two antibiotics — azithromycin and doxycycline — for the treatment of subclinical hemotrophic Mycoplasma infections.
