Abstract

Background:
Diagnosis of haemoplasma infections is currently based on microscopical examination of blood smears, together with the results of specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.

Aim:
In the present study, molecular detection using 16S rRNA was used as a diagnostic approach for detection and genetic characterization of the haemoplasma in cats and sheep. While, hematological studies were applied in sheep showing emaciation.

Methods:
In the present study, blood smears examination, hemogram, blood cells’ count and molecular detection using 16S rRNA were used as a diagnostic approach for detection and genetic characterization of the haemoplasma in cat and sheep.

Results:
We found that Haemoplasma incidence in cats in the examined samples was 8%, Candidatus M. haemominutum (CMhm) was detected at 202bp band size by 16SrRNA and Candidatus M. haemovis in sheep. The infection rate in the examined sheep was 4 % (2/50) by nested PCR giving specific bands at 1060 bp and 506bp. Giemsa-stained blood smear from an affected sheep with Haemoplasma showed a small oval to ring-shaped organism noticed on the surface of erythrocytes. The organisms have other variable shape (cocci, small rods or arranged in short chains) with presence of free organisms in the background of blood smear. Haemovis are epicellular parasites which attached in indentation and invagination of erythrocyte surface causing direct injury of red blood cells. Poikilocytosis was very obvious. Abnormal features of red corpuscles were noticed as pointy or thorn-like projections. Destruction of erythrocytes causes anemia; these features led to significant decrease in total erythrocyte count and polychromasia was noticed. Moreover, Neutrophils with foamy and opaque cytoplasm were observed. The leucogram showed leucopenia due to lymphocytopenia while, neutrophils rose, monocytes and eosinophils showed an elevation level.

Conclusion:
This is the first microscopical and molecular identification of Haemovis in sheep in Giza, Egypt. Further investigation is recommended for epidemiology and control measures of Haemotropic Mycoplasma.

Key words: Hemoplasma, Haemovis, CMhm, Hematological studies