ARS | Publication request: Identification of Haemomycoplasma Species in Anemic Reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus)

Submitted to: American College of Veterinary Pathologists Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: June 21, 2004
Publication Date: September 20, 2004
Citation: Stoffregen, W.C., Alt, D.P., Palmer, M.V., Olsen, S.C., Waters, W.R. 2004. Identification of haemomycoplasma species in anemic reindeer (rangifer tarandus) [abstract]. American College of Veterinary Pathologists Meeting. 41:550.

Technical Abstract: During an 18 month period, 9 animals in a herd of 19 reindeer experienced episodes of anemia. These animals had histories of weight loss, unthriftiness, and occasionally edema of dependent parts. CBCs from the affected animals revealed moderate anemia characterized by microcytosis, hypochromasia, schistocytosis, keratocytosis, acanthocytosis, and dacryocytosis. Numerous basophilic punctate to ring-shaped bodies which measured less than 1.0 micron were found on the surface of RBCs and were often observed encircling the outer margins of the cells. Based on these cytologic findings, DNA peparations from selected affected animals in the NADC herd and one animal from a private herd which was experiencing similar episodes of anemia were assayed by PCR for the presence of hemolytic bacteria. Primers from the 16s rRNA genes of Mycoplasma (Eperythrozoon) suis, Mycoplasma haemofelis, Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp. were used. Seven animals had positive reactions using the M. haemofelis primers. No other primers produced products. Internal primers to the M. haemofelis 16s rRNA gene segment were used to amplify the initial product. The product from the nested PCR assay was used for DNA sequencing. BLAST searches were performed on the resulting sequences. Six animals had an organism which was most closely related to M. ovis (90-98%), M. wenyonii (91-96%), M. haemolama (89-91%, and M. suis (88-89%). One animal had an organism which was most closely related to M. haemofelis (94%) and M. haemocanis (94%). This represents the first identification of haemomycoplasma species in reindeer. Although several of these animals were also infected with abomasal nematodes, the presence of this organism may have contributed to the anemic syndrome.