Canis ISSN: 2398-2942
Mycoplasma haemocanis
Synonym(s): Hemobartonella canis, H. canis
Contributor(s): Richard Walker
Introduction
Classification
Taxonomy
- Rickettsia.
- Family: Mycoplasmataceae.
- Genus: Mycoplasma.
This article is available in full to registered subscribers
Sign up now to purchase a 30 day trial, or
Login
Clinical Effects
Epidemiology
Habitat
- Attaches to canine erythrocyte membranes.
- Host species-specific.
- Ticks may be reservoir hosts.
Lifecycle
- Reproduces in inclusion bodies attached to erythrocyte membrane.
- It is possible that multiplication may occur in ticks.
Transmission
- Ticks Ixodes ricinus.
- Blood transfusion.
- In utero.
- Most studies of transmission mechanisms have been experimental.
Pathological effects
- Disease is caused by immune-mediated destruction of eythrocytes.
- Immunosuppression potentiates the severity of the disease.
Other Host Effects
- May be an incidental finding on blood smears.
- Often non-pathogenic.
Control
Control via chemotherapies
- Tetracyclines Tetracycline are the treatment of choice.
- May require concurrent glucorticoid therapy to stop immune-mediated destruction of erythrocytes.
- Chlorpromazine or metronidazole may be required for resistant strains.
Diagnosis
This article is available in full to registered subscribers
Sign up now to purchase a 30 day trial, or
Login
Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from VetMed Resource and PubMed.
- Brinson J J & Messick J B (2001) Use of a PCR assay for detection of Haemobartonella canis in a dog. JAVMA 218, 1943-1945.
- Lester S J, Hume J B & Phipps B (1995) Haemobartonella canis infection following splenectomy and transfusion. Can Vet J 36(7), 444-445.
- Gretillat S (1981) Haemobartonella canis (Kikuth 1928) in the blood of dogs with parvovirus disease. JSAP 22(10), 647-653.
- Pryor W H & Bradbury R P (1975) Haemobartonella canis infection in research dogs. Lab Anim Sci 25(5), 566-569.