The use of real-time PCR in the diagnosis and monitoring of Mycoplasma haemofelis copy number in a naturally infected cat

A 5-year-old male neutered cat was diagnosed with severe anaemia due to acute Mycoplasma haemofelis infection. Inflammatory respiratory disease was present concurrently. The cat was treated successfully using a fresh transfusion of whole blood and a 6 week course of doxycycline. The patient made a rapid recovery although the allergic airway disease subsequently required specific therapy consisting of inhaled fluticasone and salbutamol. Real-time quantitative PCR assays confirmed the presence of M. haempfelis DNA copies in the blood at presentation. Repeat PCR assays showed a reduction in copy number during treatment and negative PCR results were obtained both 91 and 425 days after presentation. The report describes, for the first time, the use of real-time PCR in the diagnosis and monitoring of natural M. haemofelis copy number, as well as the induction of long-term negative PCR status.