Coinfection with Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ in a cat with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in Belgium

Abstract

A young male domestic Shorthair was presented with weakness and anorexia of two days’ duration. Physical examination showed pale mucous membranes, caused by severe, regenerative, Coombs’ positive, hemolytic anemia. A blood smear revealed epicellular organisms compatible with Mycoplasma spp. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on EDTA blood identified these organisms as Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’. Despite the lack of clearance of the organism from the blood, the cat responded well to antibiotic treatment with doxycycline, together with immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.