Mycoplasma haemocanis
Classification
Bacteria; Mycoplasmatota; Mollicutes; Mycoplasmatales; Mycoplasmataceae
Species
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Mycoplasma haemocanis
Description and Significance
Mycoplasma haemocanis is a hemotrophic, gram-negative bacteria apart of the Mycoplasma genus. The species and genus is characterized by its lack of a cell wall and its small size of less than 1 µm. Formerly known as Haemobartonella canis, this species is commonly associated with causing hemolytic anemia in immunocompromised canines, specifically those who have undergone a splenectomy [1]. M. haemocanis attaches to the surface of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in hosts and can be visualized in a blood smear either as single cells or "bowed-looking" chains. This species is uncultivable in vitro [2]. The bacteria has a similar resemblance to the feline equivalent Mycoplasma haemofelis, which causes hemolytic anemia in cats. In a genetic comparison of the species' genomes, the two are actually concluded to be two different species infecting two distinct animals [2,3].
Genome Structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?
One strain of M. haemocanis Illinois was isolated from the blood of an infected dog, then fully sequences. The genome of the strain contains a singular circular chromosome comprising of 919,992 base pairs [2]. Compared to the average size of a Mycoplasma genome,
Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle
Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology and Pathogenesis
Habitat; symbiosis; biogeochemical significance; contributions to environment.
If relevant, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
References
[1] Willi, B., Novacco, M., Meli, M., Wolf-Jäckel, G., Boretti, F., Wengi, N., Lutz, H., & Hofmann-Lehmann, R. (2010). Haemotropic mycoplasmas of cats and dogs: transmission, diagnosis, prevalence and importance in Europe. Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde, 152(5), 237–244. https://doi.org/10.1024/0036-7281/a000055
[2] do Nascimento, N.C., Santos, A.P., Guimaraes, A.M. et al. (2012). Mycoplasma haemocanis – the canine hemoplasma and its feline counterpart in the genomic era. Veterinary Research, 43(1), 66. https://doi.org/10.1186/1297-9716-43-66
[3] Hemotropic Mycoplasma infections in animals - circulatory system. Merck Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). https://www.merckvetmanual.com/circulatory-system/blood-parasites/hemotropic-mycoplasma-infections-in-animals
[4]
Author
Page authored by Erin Byers & Olivia Choros, students of Prof. Jay Lennon at IndianaUniversity.
