Prevalência molecular e fatores associados à infecção por Mycoplasma haemocanis em cães de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso

Abstract

Hemotropic mycoplasmas are pleomorphic, epicellular, gram negative bacteria that infect red blood cells. Infection in dogs can cause hemolytic anemia in the acute phase that may be precipitated by splenectomy, or by immunosuppressive drugs or diseases, but in chronic disease the signs are inapparent. In addition to microscopic observation, molecular techniques are the most commonly used diagnostic methods. In the municipality of Cuiabá and in the region of Mato Grosso, Brazil, studies on hemotropic mycoplasma infection in dogs are still scarce. In view of the above, the objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Mycoplasma sp., As well as factors associated with infection in 334 dogs by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The prevalence of Mycoplasma sp. Was 5.4% and M. haemocanis was the only species identified. No epidemiological factor investigated showed statistically significant association with infection, even infestation by ticks.