Haemobartonella felis: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Img0027.jpg |thumb| Figure 2. Cell Morphology for ''Haemobartonella felis'' [http://instruction.cvhs.okstate.edu/jcfox/htdocs/disk1/images/img0027.jpg]]]
[[File:Img0027.jpg |thumb| Figure 1. Cell Morphology for ''Haemobartonella felis'' [http://instruction.cvhs.okstate.edu/jcfox/htdocs/disk1/images/img0027.jpg]]]




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''Haemobartonella felis'' has been recently renamed to ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' due to a closer relation to the genus ''Mycoplasma'' rather than the genus ''Bartonella'' (10). The genome of ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' has been sequenced, and in fact is the first hemotrophic mycoplasma species to be completely sequenced. In a study that compared two strains of the microbe, Ohio2 and Langford 1, they found that the complete genome of the circular chromosome was 1,155,937 base pairs (5). ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' has a large genome that contains a large amount of unique proteins (Figure 1).
''Haemobartonella felis'' has been recently renamed to ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' due to a closer relation to the genus ''Mycoplasma'' rather than the genus ''Bartonella'' (10). The genome of ''M. haemofelis'' has been sequenced, and in fact is the first hemotrophic mycoplasma species to be completely sequenced. In a study that compared two strains of the microbe, Ohio2 and Langford 1, they found that the complete genome of the circular chromosome was 1,155,937 base pairs. Even though the genome of ''M. haemofelis'' is small like other mycoplasmas, it still contains a large number of unique proteins (Figure 2). This large set of proteins is most likely due to its target for red blood cells, which may require a specific set of genes (5).




The phylogenetic classification of ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' is (4):  
The phylogenetic classification of ''M. haemofelis'' is (4):  
:Domain: Bacteria
:Domain: Bacteria
:Phylum: Tenericutes
:Phylum: Tenericutes
Line 20: Line 19:
   
   


The cell morphology of '' Haemobartonella felis'', or ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'', is a short coccus- or rod-shaped , gram negative bacteria. It also lacks a cell wall. Because the microbe is unable to be cultured,a microscopic identification from a blood smear is needed for diagnosis (3).
The cell morphology of ''M. haemofelis'' is a short coccus- or rod-shaped , gram negative bacteria. It also lacks a cell wall. Because the microbe is unable to be cultured,a microscopic identification from a blood smear is needed for diagnosis (3).


[[File:1297-9716-42-102-1.jpg|thumb|Figure 1. Structure of the genome of ''Mycoplasma haemofelis''[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3196708/figure/F1/]]]
[[File:1297-9716-42-102-1.jpg|thumb|Figure 2. Structure of the genome of ''Mycoplasma haemofelis''[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3196708/figure/F1/]]]


==Characteristics of the host==
==Characteristics of the host==


The host for ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' is a feline. It is unclear of what breeds of felines are most commonly effected. However, it is found that felines of older non-pedigree are more at risk for the infection that ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' even though younger felines can be affected (9). In other studies, they found that the infection is more common in felines from regions like Switzerland and other European countries (11).
The hosts for ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' are felines. It is unclear of what breeds of felines are most commonly effected. However, it is found that felines of older non-pedigree breeds are more at risk for the infection that ''M. haemofelis'' even though younger felines can be affected (9). In other studies, they found that the infection is more common in felines from regions like Switzerland and other European countries (11).


==Host-Symbiont Interaction ==
==Host-Symbiont Interaction ==


The interaction of the host, a feline, and the symbiont, ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'', is one of a parasitic relationship. If the host acquires a relationship with the symbiont, the host will become anemic, which effects the host's red blood cell count. It is unclear of how the symbiont and disease is transmitted. However, some studies suggest that it is transmitted by fleas, so flea control is suggested for felines. Because it is known that the symbiont causes problem in the host's blood, it can be determined that another source of transmission is inoculation of infected blood. One of the symptoms for this disease are pale gums (Figure 3).
The interaction of the host, a cat, and the symbiont, ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'', is one of a parasitic relationship. If the host acquires a relationship with the symbiont, the host will become anemic, which affects the host's red blood cell count. It is unclear of how the symbiont and disease is transmitted. However, some studies suggest that it is transmitted by fleas, so flea control is suggested for felines. Because it is known that the symbiont causes problems in the host's blood, it can be determined that another source of transmission is by blood, such as from blood donor cats that are in areas where the infection occurs (7). One of the symptoms for this disease are pale gums (Figure 3).


Since transmission is unclear, treatments are possible but not known to completely treat anemia for the infected feline. The most commonly used treatment is doxycycline that can be used for 14-21 days with one dosage a day. If the anemic conditions of the host are severe, a blood transfusion may be recommended (7).
Since transmission is unclear, treatments are possible but not known to completely treat anemia for the infected feline. The most commonly used treatment is doxycycline that can be used for 14-21 days with one dosage a day. If the anemic conditions of the host are severe, a blood transfusion may be recommended (7).


The interaction is obligate, because the microbe ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' needs the host in order to carry out specific cellular functions. The class of ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'','' Mollicutes'', have been studied and determined to be dependent on hosts or other bacterium for guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase activity in order to carry out purine metabolism (9).
The interaction is obligate, because the microbe ''M. haemofelis'' needs the host in order to carry out specific cellular functions. The class of ''M. haemofelis'','' Mollicutes'', have been studied and determined to be dependent on hosts or other bacterium for guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase activity in order to carry out purine metabolism (9).


[[File:Infosheet anaemia 1.jpg|thumb|Figure 3. A feline infected by ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' that has caused pale gums.[http://www.fabcats.org/owners/anaemia/info.html]]]
[[File:Infosheet anaemia 1.jpg|thumb|Figure 3. A feline infected by ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' that has caused pale gums.[http://www.fabcats.org/owners/anaemia/info.html]]]
Line 40: Line 39:
==Molecular Insights into the Symbiosis==
==Molecular Insights into the Symbiosis==


In some recent studies, the species ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' has been compared to two other haemoplasma species, ''Candidatus'' M. haemominutum and ''Candidatus'' M. turicensis. In comparison of effects on the host of the symbiont, ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' causes haemolysis and ''Candidatus'' M. haemominutum does not usually cause anemia. Coombs' tests and blood glucose concentration tests were used to determine the differences between these three species. Coomb's testing determines the presence for erythrocyte-bound antibodies and if the red blood cells become destroyed. The species ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' was the only species that tested positive for Coomb's test. For glucose concentrations, the species ''Candidatus'' M. turnicensis had lower concentrations than the other two species as well as lower blood copy numbers. In conclusion of this study, they found that the species ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' was the only to develop macrocytic anemia (6).
In some recent studies, the species ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' has been compared to two other haemoplasma species, ''Candidatus'' M. haemominutum and ''Candidatus'' M. turicensis. In comparison of effects on the host of the symbiont, ''M. haemofelis'' causes haemolysis and ''C.'' M. haemominutum does not usually cause anemia. Coombs' tests and blood glucose concentration tests were used to determine the differences between these three species. Coomb's testing determines the presence for erythrocyte-bound antibodies and if the red blood cells become destroyed. The species ''M. haemofelis'' was the only species that tested positive for Coomb's test. In addition, the species ''C.'' M. turnicensis had lower glucose concentrations than the other two species as well as lower blood copy numbers (Figure 4). In conclusion of this study, they found that the species ''M. haemofelis'' was the only to develop macrocytic anemia (6).


Many genes of ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' have been studied. The two genes IMP (inosine-5′-monophosphate) dehydrogenase and GMP (guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate) synthase have been found to encode proteins and partake in biosynthesis. This is significant because these enzymatic activities of these genes have not been found in ''Mollicutes''. This raises the question if ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' needs a host in order to perform guanine biosynthesis. However, there is not enough research completed in order to determine this. Also, it is not clear what are the enzymes activities. In addition, the gene superoxide dismutase (SOD) is very unique to ''Mycoplasmas haemofelis'' because it is not found or sequenced in other mycoplasmas. This gene may suggest that ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' is actually facultative; however, there is no clear evidence of the genes' activity. Furthermore, it is found that this specie has many unique proteins and genes. Because of the unique genes, it is understood that this species of mycoplasma has adapted it self to colonize the red blood cell rather than mucosal surfaces like most mycoplasmas do and this is why it survives in it's host (2).
Many genes of ''M. haemofelis'' have been studied. The two genes IMP (inosine-5′-monophosphate) dehydrogenase and GMP (guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate) synthase have been found to encode proteins and partake in purine biosynthesis. This is significant because these enzymatic activities of these genes have not been found in ''Mollicutes''. This raises the question if ''M. haemofelis'' needs a host in order to perform guanine biosynthesis,because it lacks the cellular components and functions for the biosynthesis. However, there is not enough research completed in order to determine this. Also, it is not clear what are the enzymes activities. In addition, the gene superoxide dismutase (SOD) is very unique to ''M. haemofelis'' because it is not found or sequenced in other mycoplasmas. However, there is no clear evidence of the genes' activity. Furthermore, it is found that this specie has many unique proteins and genes. Because of the unique genes, it is understood that this species of mycoplasma has adapted it self to colonize the red blood cell rather than mucosal surfaces like most mycoplasmas do and this is why it survives in its host (2).


[[File:Willi phylogenetic map.jpg|thumb|Figure 4. Phylogenetic analysis of ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' to ''Candidatus'' M. haemominutum and ''Candidatus'' M. turnicensis[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MiamiCaptionURL&_method=retrieve&_eid=1-s2.0-S0378113507003240&_image=1-s2.0-S0378113507003240-gr1.jpg&_ba=&_fmt=full&_orig=na&_issn=03781135&_pii=S0378113507003240&_acct=C000069779&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=6406178&md5=bc603d968e1825f510a47315b44bf208]]]
[[File:Tasker blood count.jpg|thumb|Figure 4. Haemoplasma copy numbers from Tasker (2009) study. (A) ''M. haemofelis'' copy number/ ml of blood for each cat versus time. (B) ''C.'' M. haemominutum and ''C.'' M. turnicensis. Means are plotted as continuous line.''C.'' M. turnicensis had lower copy numbers than other two groups.[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MiamiCaptionURL&_method=retrieve&_eid=1-s2.0-S0378113509003137&_image=1-s2.0-S0378113509003137-gr1.jpg&_ba=&_fmt=full&_orig=na&_issn=03781135&_pii=S0378113509003137&_acct=C000069779&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=6406178&md5=ea21e24d2afd0ed4ab92cdae29e1543a]]]
 
[[File:Willi phylogenetic map.jpg|thumb|Figure 5. Phylogenetic analysis of ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' to ''Candidatus'' M. haemominutum and ''Candidatus'' M. turnicensis[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MiamiCaptionURL&_method=retrieve&_eid=1-s2.0-S0378113507003240&_image=1-s2.0-S0378113507003240-gr1.jpg&_ba=&_fmt=full&_orig=na&_issn=03781135&_pii=S0378113507003240&_acct=C000069779&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=6406178&md5=bc603d968e1825f510a47315b44bf208]]]


==Ecological and Evolutionary Aspects ==
==Ecological and Evolutionary Aspects ==


In the past decade or so, this microbe has changed from ''Haemobartonella'' to ''Mycoplasma''. This has been reclassified because in studies the microbe has been determined to be more related to Mollicutes than Rickettsiales. In addition, ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' is unculturable which makes it difficult to diagnosis. However, with more recent research it is possible to diagnosis for the infection by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) rather than the older method of studying the red blood cells, which resulted in false positive and false negative due to other factors. These new PCR methods have contributed to the identification of two strains of ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'', Ohio strain and California strain. The difference between these two strains are the presence of anemia in the feline, in which the Ohio strain causes a more severe infection that could result in haemolytic anemia that could become fatal. Since there are strains from different geological regions and most felines affected are found in Europe, this may suggest that environmental factors play a role in regulating the symbiosis. However,''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' is still in the early stages of research because of its difficulty in culturing, so as of now environmental factors are not determined (7).
In the past decade or so, ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' has been difficult to diagnosis. However, with more recent research it is possible to diagnose for the infection by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) rather than the older method of studying the red blood cells, which resulted in false positive and false negative due to other factors. These new PCR methods have contributed to the identification of two strains of ''M. haemofelis'', Ohio strain and California strain. The Ohio strain causes a more severe infection than California strain and it could result in haemolytic anemia that could become fatal. The fact that strains are from different geological regions and that most felines affected are found in Europe may suggest that environmental factors play a role in regulating the symbiosis. However, ''M. haemofelis'' is still in the early stages of research because of its difficulty in culturing, so as of now environmental factors that regulate the parthenogenesis are not determined (7).


==Recent Discoveries==
==Recent Discoveries==


There are some recent studies for ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'':
In one study, the ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' strain Ohio2 was used for genome sequencing in order to understand why the symbiont needs the host for metabolic pathways and resources in order to survive. ''M. haemofelis'' relies on its host because it lacks necessities for some metabolisms, such as pyrimidines and amino acids. However, this study represents some of the differences that ''M. haemofelis'' uses in some other metabolisms. For example, mycoplasmas have been thought to be incapable of fatty acid biosynthesis from acetyl-CoA because of a lack of genetic material. Yet, this study finds that ''M. haemofelis'' could be able to use glycerol in order to synthesize phospholipids. In addition, this study identified two virulence genes for ''M. haemofelis''. One of these is endopeptidase o-sialoglycoprotein, which cleaves at the glycoproteins of erythrocytes and can cause lysis. The other gene codes for superoxide dismutase (SOD), which may help detoxify reactive oxygen species, which protects ''M. haemofelis'' from oxidant damage when it is attached to the red blood cells of the host. In their research, it is stated that the reduction in the erythrocyte functions results in a short live span of the cells, which then can cause anemia for the host (5).
 
'''Genome of Mycoplasma haemofelis, unraveling its strategies for survival and persistence'''
 
The ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' strain Ohio2 was used for genome sequencing in order to understand why the symbiont needs the host for metabolic pathways and resources in order to survive. ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' relies on it's host because it lacks necessities for pyrimidines metabolism, genes for amino acid metabolism, and other metabolisms. However, this study represents some of the differences that ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' uses in some other metabolisms. For example, mycoplasmas have been thought to be incapable of fatty acid biosynthesis from acetyl-CoA because of losing genetic material. Yet, this study finds that ''Mycoplamsa haemofelis'' could be able to use glycerol in order to synthesize phospholipids. In addition, this study identified two virulence genes for ''Mycoplasma haemofelis''. One of these is endopeptidase o-sialoglycoprotein, which could contribute to erythrocyte lysis for it cleaves at the glycoproteins. The other one is superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene that may help detoxify reactive oxygen species, which enables the damage to red blood cells. In their research, it is stated that the reduction in the erythrocyte functions results in a short live span of the cells, which then can cause anemia for the host. Also, that the SOD gene can attribute to the survival of ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' (5).
 
'''Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma haemofelis, a Hemotropic Mycoplasma'''


The sequenced genome of the Langford 1 strain of ''Mycoplasma haemofelis'' showed that this strain is capable of resulting in hemolytic anemia in specific-pathogen-free-derived felines. This was the first hemotropic mycoplasma species to be sequenced and annotated completely. This single, circular genome was 1,147,259 bp and had a GC content of 38.9%. Within the gene content, glucose seemed to be the energy source for the bacteria's glycolysis for the carbohydrate metabolism. In addition, there appeared to be a different mechanism used for purine and pyrimidine metabolism because pentose phosphate pathways were unapparent. Furthermore, there were 31 tRNAs for the amino acids as well as three ribosomal operons. This research can develop on even further and soon answer the question of why this pathogen is meticulous and identify other mechanisms for how it invades the host immune system (1).
In another study, the sequenced genome of the Langford 1 strain of ''M. haemofelis'' showed that this strain is capable of resulting in hemolytic anemia in specific-pathogen-free-derived felines. This was the first hemotropic mycoplasma species to be sequenced and annotated completely. This single, circular genome was 1,147,259 bp and had a GC content of 38.9%. The inspection of the genome revealed that glucose was the primary substrate for glycolysis of the bacteria. In addition, there appeared to be a different mechanism from other mycoplasmas for purine and pyrimidine metabolism because pentose phosphate pathways were unapparent. Furthermore, there were 31 tRNAs for the amino acids as well as three ribosomal operons. This research can develop on even further and soon answer the question of why this pathogen is complex and identify other mechanisms for how it evades the host immune system (1).


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 16:14, 5 December 2011

Figure 1. Cell Morphology for Haemobartonella felis [1]


Haemobartonella felis

Characteristics of the symbiont/pathogen

Haemobartonella felis has been recently renamed to Mycoplasma haemofelis due to a closer relation to the genus Mycoplasma rather than the genus Bartonella (10). The genome of M. haemofelis has been sequenced, and in fact is the first hemotrophic mycoplasma species to be completely sequenced. In a study that compared two strains of the microbe, Ohio2 and Langford 1, they found that the complete genome of the circular chromosome was 1,155,937 base pairs. Even though the genome of M. haemofelis is small like other mycoplasmas, it still contains a large number of unique proteins (Figure 2). This large set of proteins is most likely due to its target for red blood cells, which may require a specific set of genes (5).


The phylogenetic classification of M. haemofelis is (4):

Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Tenericutes
Class: Mollicutes
Family: Mycoplasmataceae
Genus: Mycoplasma
Species: Haemofelis


The cell morphology of M. haemofelis is a short coccus- or rod-shaped , gram negative bacteria. It also lacks a cell wall. Because the microbe is unable to be cultured,a microscopic identification from a blood smear is needed for diagnosis (3).

Figure 2. Structure of the genome of Mycoplasma haemofelis[2]

Characteristics of the host

The hosts for Mycoplasma haemofelis are felines. It is unclear of what breeds of felines are most commonly effected. However, it is found that felines of older non-pedigree breeds are more at risk for the infection that M. haemofelis even though younger felines can be affected (9). In other studies, they found that the infection is more common in felines from regions like Switzerland and other European countries (11).

Host-Symbiont Interaction

The interaction of the host, a cat, and the symbiont, Mycoplasma haemofelis, is one of a parasitic relationship. If the host acquires a relationship with the symbiont, the host will become anemic, which affects the host's red blood cell count. It is unclear of how the symbiont and disease is transmitted. However, some studies suggest that it is transmitted by fleas, so flea control is suggested for felines. Because it is known that the symbiont causes problems in the host's blood, it can be determined that another source of transmission is by blood, such as from blood donor cats that are in areas where the infection occurs (7). One of the symptoms for this disease are pale gums (Figure 3).

Since transmission is unclear, treatments are possible but not known to completely treat anemia for the infected feline. The most commonly used treatment is doxycycline that can be used for 14-21 days with one dosage a day. If the anemic conditions of the host are severe, a blood transfusion may be recommended (7).

The interaction is obligate, because the microbe M. haemofelis needs the host in order to carry out specific cellular functions. The class of M. haemofelis, Mollicutes, have been studied and determined to be dependent on hosts or other bacterium for guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase activity in order to carry out purine metabolism (9).

Figure 3. A feline infected by Mycoplasma haemofelis that has caused pale gums.[3]

Molecular Insights into the Symbiosis

In some recent studies, the species Mycoplasma haemofelis has been compared to two other haemoplasma species, Candidatus M. haemominutum and Candidatus M. turicensis. In comparison of effects on the host of the symbiont, M. haemofelis causes haemolysis and C. M. haemominutum does not usually cause anemia. Coombs' tests and blood glucose concentration tests were used to determine the differences between these three species. Coomb's testing determines the presence for erythrocyte-bound antibodies and if the red blood cells become destroyed. The species M. haemofelis was the only species that tested positive for Coomb's test. In addition, the species C. M. turnicensis had lower glucose concentrations than the other two species as well as lower blood copy numbers (Figure 4). In conclusion of this study, they found that the species M. haemofelis was the only to develop macrocytic anemia (6).

Many genes of M. haemofelis have been studied. The two genes IMP (inosine-5′-monophosphate) dehydrogenase and GMP (guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate) synthase have been found to encode proteins and partake in purine biosynthesis. This is significant because these enzymatic activities of these genes have not been found in Mollicutes. This raises the question if M. haemofelis needs a host in order to perform guanine biosynthesis,because it lacks the cellular components and functions for the biosynthesis. However, there is not enough research completed in order to determine this. Also, it is not clear what are the enzymes activities. In addition, the gene superoxide dismutase (SOD) is very unique to M. haemofelis because it is not found or sequenced in other mycoplasmas. However, there is no clear evidence of the genes' activity. Furthermore, it is found that this specie has many unique proteins and genes. Because of the unique genes, it is understood that this species of mycoplasma has adapted it self to colonize the red blood cell rather than mucosal surfaces like most mycoplasmas do and this is why it survives in its host (2).

Figure 4. Haemoplasma copy numbers from Tasker (2009) study. (A) M. haemofelis copy number/ ml of blood for each cat versus time. (B) C. M. haemominutum and C. M. turnicensis. Means are plotted as continuous line.C. M. turnicensis had lower copy numbers than other two groups.[4]
Figure 5. Phylogenetic analysis of Mycoplasma haemofelis to Candidatus M. haemominutum and Candidatus M. turnicensis[5]

Ecological and Evolutionary Aspects

In the past decade or so, Mycoplasma haemofelis has been difficult to diagnosis. However, with more recent research it is possible to diagnose for the infection by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) rather than the older method of studying the red blood cells, which resulted in false positive and false negative due to other factors. These new PCR methods have contributed to the identification of two strains of M. haemofelis, Ohio strain and California strain. The Ohio strain causes a more severe infection than California strain and it could result in haemolytic anemia that could become fatal. The fact that strains are from different geological regions and that most felines affected are found in Europe may suggest that environmental factors play a role in regulating the symbiosis. However, M. haemofelis is still in the early stages of research because of its difficulty in culturing, so as of now environmental factors that regulate the parthenogenesis are not determined (7).

Recent Discoveries

In one study, the Mycoplasma haemofelis strain Ohio2 was used for genome sequencing in order to understand why the symbiont needs the host for metabolic pathways and resources in order to survive. M. haemofelis relies on its host because it lacks necessities for some metabolisms, such as pyrimidines and amino acids. However, this study represents some of the differences that M. haemofelis uses in some other metabolisms. For example, mycoplasmas have been thought to be incapable of fatty acid biosynthesis from acetyl-CoA because of a lack of genetic material. Yet, this study finds that M. haemofelis could be able to use glycerol in order to synthesize phospholipids. In addition, this study identified two virulence genes for M. haemofelis. One of these is endopeptidase o-sialoglycoprotein, which cleaves at the glycoproteins of erythrocytes and can cause lysis. The other gene codes for superoxide dismutase (SOD), which may help detoxify reactive oxygen species, which protects M. haemofelis from oxidant damage when it is attached to the red blood cells of the host. In their research, it is stated that the reduction in the erythrocyte functions results in a short live span of the cells, which then can cause anemia for the host (5).

In another study, the sequenced genome of the Langford 1 strain of M. haemofelis showed that this strain is capable of resulting in hemolytic anemia in specific-pathogen-free-derived felines. This was the first hemotropic mycoplasma species to be sequenced and annotated completely. This single, circular genome was 1,147,259 bp and had a GC content of 38.9%. The inspection of the genome revealed that glucose was the primary substrate for glycolysis of the bacteria. In addition, there appeared to be a different mechanism from other mycoplasmas for purine and pyrimidine metabolism because pentose phosphate pathways were unapparent. Furthermore, there were 31 tRNAs for the amino acids as well as three ribosomal operons. This research can develop on even further and soon answer the question of why this pathogen is complex and identify other mechanisms for how it evades the host immune system (1).

References

1. Barker, E.N. et al. (2011). Complete genome sequence of Mycoplasma haemofelis, a Hemotropic Mycoplasma. J. Bacteriol, 193.8, 2060-2061.

2. Berent, L.M., and Messick, J.B. (2003). Physical map and genome sequencing survey of Mycoplasma haemofeli (Haemobartonella felis). American Society of Microbiology, 71.6, 3657-3662.

3. Messick, J.B., Berent, L.M., and Cooper, S.K. (1998).Development and evaluation of PCR-Based assay for detection of Haemobartonella felis in cats and differentiation of H. felis from related bacteria by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 36.2, 462-466.

4. Genome information for Mycoplasma haemofelis. NCBI Website.

5. Santos et al. (2011). Genome of Mycoplasma haemofelis, unraveling its strategies for survival and persistence . Veterinary Research, 42.102, 1-16.

6. Tasker, S. et al. (2009). Description of outcomes of experimental infection with feline haemoplasmas: Copy numbers, haematology, Coomb’s testing and blood glucose concentrations. Vet. Microbiol., 139.3-4, 323-332.

7. Tasker, S. and Lappin, MR. (2002). Haemobartonella felis: recent developments in diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 4, 3-11.

8. Tasker, S. (2010). Haemotropic mycoplasmas: What’s their real significance in cats? J Feline Med Surg., 12.5, 369-381.

9. Tryon,V. and Pollack, D. (1985). Distinctions in Mollicutes Purine Metabolism: Pyrophosphate-Dependent Nucleoside Kinase and Dependence on Guanylate Salvage. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology, 35.4, 497-501.

10. Willi, B. et al. (2007). From Haemobartonella to hemoplasma: Molecular methods provide new insights. Vet. Microbiology, 125.3-4, 197-209.

11. Willi, B. et al. (2010). Haemotrophic mycoplasmas of cats and dogs: transmission, diagnosis, prevalence and importance in Europe. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd, 152.5, 237-44.


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