Report of Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and Mycoplasma haemocanis canine infections in Massambaba restinga, Brazil

Abstract

Tick-borne diseases are frequent in the southeastern section of Brazil. The most prevalent canine parasites diagnosed are Ehrlichia canis, Babesia gibsoni, Babesia canis, and Anaplasma platys, although Mycoplasma haemocanis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum have also been detected in other regions of the country. Two clinically healthy dogs from a suburban area of the state of Rio de Janeiro had a history of being heavily infested with ticks and were examined at IDEXX Reference Laboratories, California for a tick panel check. One dog harbored DNA of Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and the other, the DNA of Mycoplasma haemocanis. These results reinforce the need for permanent monitoring for tick infestations and tick-borne parasites in southeastern Brazil, particularly considering the likely continuation of global climate changes that will contribute to the spread and increase of infections across the country.