TitleA review of the occurrence of hemoplasmas (hemotrophic mycoplasmas) in Brazil.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsBiondo, AWelker, Santos, APires Dos, Guimarães, AMarcia Sá, Vieira, RFelipe da, Vidotto, O, Macieira, Dde Barros, Almosny, NRegina Per, Molento, MBeltrão, Timenetsky, J, de Morais, HAutran, González, FHilário D, Messick, JBelle
JournalRevista brasileira de parasitologia veterinária = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Órgão Oficial do Colégio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinária
Volume18
Issue3
Pagination1-7
Date Published2009 Jul-Sep
KeywordsMycoplasma
Abstract

Recent studies have been conducted in Brazil using molecular techniques for the detection of hemotrophic mycoplasmas in several mammals. In domestic cats, Mycoplasma haemofelis, "Candidatus M. haemominutum", and "Candidatus M. turicensis" infections have been identified. These species have also been found in free-ranging and captive neotropical felid species. Two canine hemoplasmas, Mycoplasma haemocanis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum", have been identified in dogs. In commercial swine populations, Mycoplasma suis was found to be highly prevalent, especially in sows. Moreover, novel mycoplasma species have been identified in Brazilian commercial pigs and domestic dogs. A hemoplasma infection in a human patient infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was also recently documented. In conclusion, hemoplasma species are common and important infectious agents in Brazil. Further studies should be conducted to better understand their impact on pets, production animals, and wildlife fauna, as well as their role as zoonotic agents, particularly in immunocompromised patients.