Molecular survey of hemotropic mycoplasmas and piroplasmids in cats (Felis catus) in Central Taiwan

Data on feline hemotropic mycoplasmas and piroplasmids in Taiwan are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasmas and piroplasmids in cats in central Taiwan, as well as to conduct a phylogenetic analysis of the detected pathogens. In total, blood samples of 213 cats were collected from three regions of central Taiwan: Taichung, Yunlin, and Nantou. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the 16S rRNA gene fragments of hemotropic mycoplasmas and the 18S rRNA gene fragments of piroplasmids. Risk factors were also assessed, and phylogenetic analysis was performed. Out of the 213 samples analyzed, the prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasmas was 10.80 % (23/213). Specifically, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and Mycoplasma sp. were detected in 7.51 % (16/213), 2.82 % (6/213), and 0.47 % (1/213) of the samples, respectively. Only Babesia gibsoni was detected among the piroplasmids, with a positivity rate of 0.47 % (1/213). No statistically significant associations were found between hemotropic mycoplasmas and the associated factors. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the uncultured Mycoplasma sp. identified may represent a previously unidentified Mycoplasma species, potentially related to uncultured Mycoplasma spp. detected in cats from Iran. In conclusion, this study identified B. gibsoni in feline blood samples from Taiwan and provides evidence suggesting the existence of unidentified Mycoplasma species capable of infecting cats.