First molecular evidence of hemotropic mycoplasmas in goats from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Background: Hemoplasmas represent the type of bacteria that infect red blood cells, potentially leading to various health impacts, including changes in blood parameters. The close interaction between hemoplasma and red blood cells results in cell damage through immune-related and other unspecified mechanisms. Even with a strong immune response and antibiotic treatment, affected animals are likely to remain chronic carriers once clinical symptoms have subsided. These microorganisms were previously documented in sheep and other small ruminants worldwide. Aim: Since there is a lack of research on the link between Mycoplasma infection and blood parameters, our aim was to investigate how Mycoplasma infection affects these blood parameters. Also, the study conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents the first documented research of hemoplasma infection in goats within this region. Methods: In this research, twenty Alpine goats were sampled to investigate the presence of hemoplasma using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) analysis. Sequences of the 16S rRNA gene fragments were identified subsequently. The effect of Mycoplasma ovis infection was observed on the following hematological parameters: Red Blood Cell count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Mean Cell Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Reticulocyte count (RETIC), White Blood Cell (WBC). Effect on white blood cell differentiation, absolute white blood cell counts, platelet count (PLT), and mean platelet volume (MPV) were also investigated. Results: PCR analysis confirmed the presence of Mycoplasma spp. in seven out of the twenty blood samples. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene fragments revealed that all positive samples were identified as Mycoplasma ovis. The research findings highlighted potential effects on blood parameters in infected goats. Goats infected with M. ovis exhibited higher mean levels of HGB and HCT compared to uninfected goats. However, there were no statistically significant differences in RBC counts between infected and uninfected groups. The study also noted significantly higher WBC counts in goats without M. ovis infection. Conclusion: 35% of animals tested positive for Mycoplasma ovis. Our study's findings showed notable differences in hematological parameters between goats infected with M. ovis and those that were not infected. [Open Vet J 2025; 15(1.000): 270-276]