Occurrence and molecular characterization of hemoplasmas in domestic dogs and wild mammals in a Brazilian wetland

Abstract

Hemotropic mycoplasmas are known to cause anemia in several mammalian species. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence of Mycoplasma spp. in wild mammals, domestic dogs and their respective ectoparasites, in southern Pantanal region, central-western Brazil. Between August 2013 and March 2015, 31 Nasua nasua, 78 Cerdocyon thous, seven Leopardus pardalis, 42 dogs, 110 wild rodents, and 30 marsupials were trapped and ectoparasites (ticks and fleas) found parasitizing the animals were collected. Mammals and ectoparasites DNA samples were submitted to conventional PCR assays for Mycoplasma spp. targeting 16S rRNA and RnaseP genes. Twenty-four N. nasua, three C. thous, two domestic dogs, one L. pardalis and one wild rodent were positive for 16S rRNA PCR protocols. Fourteen N. nasua samples were also positive in RnaseP PCR. No marsupial or arthropod showed positivity for Mycoplasma spp. The phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene showed that all sequences obtained from dogs, two sequences obtained from C. thous and ten sequences obtained from N. nasua showed to be closely related to Mycoplasma haemocanis/Mycoplasma haemofelis species. Genotypes closely related to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and Mycoplasma haemomuris were detected in the L. pardalis and in the wild rodent, respectively. Probably a novel Mycoplasma genotype, closely related to a sequence obtained from a Brazilian capybara was detected in 14 N. nasua, based on a concatenated phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and RnaseP genes. The present study revealed that wild animals in southern Pantanal region, Brazil, are exposed to different species of hemoplasmas.

Genetic Diversity of Bartonella spp. in Wild Mammals and Ectoparasites in Brazilian Pantanal

“…The Pantanal is the largest Neotropical floodplain, and it is well known for a rich biodiversity. Two well-defined seasons are recognized: a rainy summer (October to March) and a dry winter (April to September) [12][13][14].…”

“…A total of 256 animals were captured, including 158 carnivores, including 78 C. thous, 31 N. nasua, 7 L. pardalis, 110 wild rodents (77 Thrichomys fosteri, 25 Oecomys mamorae, and 8 Clyomys laticeps), and 30 wild marsupials (14 Thylamys macrurus, 11 Gracilinanus agilis, 4 Monodelphis domestica, and 1 Didelphis albiventris). Additionally, 42 blood samples from domestic dogs cohabiting the same studied area were collected [12][13][14].…”

“…The fleas DNA extraction was also performed in pools consisting of up to five individuals. Ticks and fleas were macerated and submitted to DNA extraction, using the same kit before mentioned [12][13][14].…”

New records and genetic diversity ofMycoplasma ovisin free-ranging deer in Brazil

“…Hemotropic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) belong to Mollicutes Class and Mycoplasmataceae Family [7]. These agents are epierythrocytic bacteria that attach to red blood cells from a wide variety of mammals, including humans [8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. Although haemoplasma infection generally shows chronic and subclinical courses, affected mammals can develop hemolytic anaemia, mainly when immunosuppressed [15][16][17].…”

Kırgızistan’da Asemptomatik Barınak Köpeklerinde Mycoplasma haemocanis ve Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum İçin İlk Moleküler Kanıt

“…In several studies worldwide, Mycoplasma infections have been found in stray, wild and pet dogs in Turkey [4] , Nigeria [5] , United States [3] , Brazil [6] , Thailand [7] , Iran [8,9] , Italy [10] , Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and France [2] .…”