First detection of feline hemoplasmas in free-ranging jaguars (Panthera onca)

Abstract Species of hemoplasmas have been described worldwide, but little information is available for wild felids. Between February 2000 and January 2010, blood samples were collected from 30 jaguars( Panthera onca) and 22 domestic cats ( Feliscatus ) from the Cerrado, Pantanal and Amazon biomes of Brazil. In all samples molecular tests were performed for Mycoplasma haemofelis/ Mycoplasmahaemocanis (Mhf/Mhc), ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasmahaemominutum’ (CMhm) and ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasmaturicensis’ (CMt). Twenty-two (73.4%) jaguarsand four domestic cats (18.2%) tested positive for infection with at least one feline hemoplasma: 73.4% jaguarsfrom the three areas were positive for CMhm, 13.6% jaguarsfrom the Pantanal and 50.0% from the Amazon were positive for Mhf/Mhc, and 9.1% of individuals from the Pantanal tested positive for CMt. Domestic cats from the Cerrado (28.6%) and the Pantanal (30.0%) were positive for feline hemoplasma. All but one jaguarfrom the three sites are healthy. One female adult jaguarshowed low body weight and dehydration. This is the first record of feline hemoplasmas in free-ranging jaguars. The high prevalence of CMhm suggest the participation of jaguarsin the maintenance of this hemoplasma in nature. Although susceptible to Mhf/Mhc and CMt, jaguarsdid not appear to participate in the maintenance of these agents in the environment. The involvement of domestic cats in the transmission of any of these hemoplasmas cannot be excluded.