Feline Mycoplasma

Jan 4

Feline Mycoplasma

Mycoplasma species are small bacteria that lack a peptidoglycan cell wall. They belong to the normal commensal flora of the conjunctiva and upper airways (pharynx, larynx, oral cavity, nasal cavity) in cats and are a well-recognized cause of conjunctivitis and upper respiratory infection in this species. This disease can cause death if not diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. Over 100 species have been included in the genus Mycoplasma. Microbes of the class Mollicutes, to which Mycoplasma belongs, are parasites or commensals of humans, animals, and plants. The genus Mycoplasma uses vertebrate and arthropod hosts. Dietary nitrogen availability has been shown to alter codon bias and genome evolution in Mycoplasma and Phytoplasma.

Symptoms

Anemia.
Lethargy.
Lack of appetite.
Weakness.
Fever.
Yellowing of skin (Jaundice)
Pale skin and mucous membranes.
Nasal or ocular (eye) discharge.
Weak newborns, stillbirths, early death of newborns, or death while in embryo.

Diagnosis

PCR Upper Respiratory Panel
- https://www.idexx.com/en/veterinary/reference-laboratories/idexx-realpcr-tests/
- https://tvmdl.tamu.edu/tests/feline-upper-respiratory-panel-qpcr/
Bacterial Culture (Sensitivity test suggested)

Treatment

Only Gram-Negative Antibiotics Are Effective

Doxycycline (Preferred treatment)
- (34mg) per 5lbs of cat
Enrofloxacin
- (5 mg/kg/day, PO) is a suitable alternative to doxycycline.
- Enrofloxacin given at 5 mg/kg, PO, every 24 hours or at 10 mg/kg, PO, every 24 hours for 14 days is tolerated by cats and is
- Equally effective or more effective than doxycycline
Azithromiacin
Albuterol sulfate (Repository Distress)

Prevention

Mycoplasma genitalium (mycoplasma) has recently been identified as a sexual transmitted infection and is a bacteria that infects the mucous membranes of the urethra,cervix, throat and anus. Mycoplasma is transmitted by vaginal, anal and oral sex.

“Bacterial infections and /or Mycoplasma in the semen (click for further info) - Overgrowth of bacteria and/or mycoplasma can adversely affect sperm morphology, motility and production. Semen cultures, when evaluated in conjunction with poor quality semen can diagnose pathogenic bacteria, mycoplasma and/or ureaplasma (we prefer Michigan State University’s test - Semen culture and sensitivity with added ureaplasma and mycoplasma -speciated). Beta strep, E-coli, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas and other bacteria in abundance should be treated by your veterinarian with the appropriate antibiotics . Mycoplasma Canis and Mycoplasma Cynos are pathogens that have been shown to significantly reduce fertility. All infections should be treated with appropriate antibiotics as soon as detected. Doxycycline is the best available choice currently available for Mycoplasma (currently needs to be compounded). Frequently a combination of antibiotics are needed to resolve many infections. Please contact your veterinarian for the appropriate treatment. Some Mycoplasma’s (not Canis or Cynos) and bacteria’s can be considered “Normal Flora” in the absence of fertility problems. ”

— https://completevites.com/Canine_Infertility.html