Molecular detection of "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" in a lion (Panthera leo) from a brazilian zoological garden

Abstract

SUMMARYAlthough Mycoplasma haemofelis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" infections have been reported in wild cats from United States, their presence among native and captive wild cats in Brazil is still unknown. A 12 year old healthy male lion (Panthera leo) from the Zoological Garden of Curitiba, Brazil was anesthetized for transportation and dental evaluation. A blood sample was obtained for a complete blood cell count (CBC) and PCR analysis. DNA was extracted and fragments of Mycoplasma haemofelis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" 16S ribosomal RNA gene were amplified in PCR assays. CBC results were within reference intervals. A weak band of 192 pb for "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" was observed, and no band was amplified from Mycoplasma haemofelis reaction. A weak PCR band associated with normal CBC results and without visible parasitemia or clinical signs may suggest a chronic subclinical infection with "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum". The lack of clinical signs may also represent the low pathogenicity of this organism; however, it is noteworthy that immune suppression caused by management and/or corticoids treatment may induce parasitemia and anemia in this animal. This detection suggests further studies in captive wild cats in Brazilian Zoological Gardens.

A quantitative TaqMan PCR assay for the detection of Mycoplasma suis

“…suis is likely present in wild pigs and other related populations, but additional studies need to be conducted to evaluate its distribution among the Suiodae members. Given that the peccaries evaluated herein had ectoparasites, and hemoplasmas have been described in other animal species from the same Zoos (Guimaraes et al. 2007b; Vieira et al.…”

Molecular detection of hemoplasma infection among cats from São Luís island, Maranhão, Brazil

“…Until the present time, M. haemofelis and Candidatus M. haemominutum have been reported in cats from Paraná (8) and Rio de Janeiro states (27), and in wild felids maintained in captivity in São Paulo state (42). Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum DNA was detected in a lion from a zoo in Curitiba, Paraná state, Brazil (15). Candidatus M. turicensis have only been detected in cats from Rio Grande do Sul state (33) and wild felids maintained in captivity in São Paulo (42).…”

Uso da técnica de Southern Blot/HibridizaÇão associada à reaÇão em cadeia da polimerase para aumentar a sensibilidade no diagnóstico das infecÇões por hemoplasmas em gatos domésticos

“…Esse grupo de parasitos também foi identificado em felídeos selvagens mantidos em cativeiro nas cidades de Curitiba e de São Paulo, (GUIMARÃES et al, 2007a;WILLI et al, 2007b).…”