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Feline Infectious Anemia
“Feline Hemotropic Mycoplasmosis”
(Also referred to as infection by Hemobartonella Felis, or infection by Mycoplasma Haemofelis)
Hemobartonella Felis, also called Mycoplasma Haemofelis, is a parasitic bacterium that actually
attaches itself to the red blood cell of the infected host. These organisms feed and reproduce
on the red blood cells until the body’s immune system recognizes the infection. In order to
clear these parasites the immune system begins attacking the red blood cells, thus causing
anemia or a less than adequate number of red blood cells circulating in the blood stream.
Feline Hemotropic Mycoplasmosis is the name of the disease process caused by this organism.
When an infected cat’s immune system realizes the presence of these mycoplasma it marks
infected red blood cells by covering them with antibodies. These coated cells are then filtered
out through the spleen and removed from circulation. The organisms are killed during this
process and iron is harvested and recycled into new red blood cells. It can take up to a month
before enough parasites are present in the blood stream to make the cat anemic from the
destruction of infected red blood cells and begin showing signs of illness.
Infected cats often become pale and weak. Anemic cats also have been known to eat dirt or
litter in an effort to consume more iron. Fever can sometimes be present and initial blood
screens show red blood cells loss along with a very responsive bone marrow (the source of new
red blood cells). This means the cat’s body is aware of the loss of red blood cells and is trying to
make up for it as quickly as possible. Cats with feline leukemia often have much more severe
anemia due to the bone marrow suppression caused by the virus.
Confirmation of diagnosis is often very difficult due to the lack of a cell wall present on these
organisms. The organism does not show up in cultures like other bacteria. Most reference labs
scan all feline blood samples under a microscope looking for the appearance of infected red
blood cells. Unfortunately, these cells have a very small lifespan outside the body and the
presents of the infected cells are very difficult to find within a few hours of blood being drawn.
For this reason it is very common for the infection can be missed during these screenings. The
most effective way to diagnose this condition is to either see the evidence on a blood smear
performed in the veterinary clinic and conformation through a specialized test called a PCR.
Once the diagnosis has been made or is even suspected in some cases, initiating treatment is
the next step. The treatment that appears to be the most effective with cats is doxycycline.
Doxycycline can come in a number of forms including tablets, liquid, and capsules. Use of the
tablets must be monitored closely however due to the ability for this medication to cause
irritation and scarring to the esophagus if it becomes caught on the way down. Feeding a small
amount of food directly after medicating is often recommended when tablet are being used.
Antibiotics need to be given for a minimum of 3 weeks in order to suppress the organisms.
Occasionally steroids such as prednisone are also needed in order to suppress the infected cats
immune system to stop the destruction of these red blood cells. Prognosis is fair if the
diagnosis is made in time most cats generally respond quickly to treatment. It is also important
to note that once a cat has been infected they can be carriers for the disease and stress can
cause a relapse of the infection.
This disease is most commonly spread by blood sucking parasites such as fleas, ticks, lice, and
mosquitos. It can also be spread through blood transfusions or passed from an infected mother
to her kittens, oral transmissions are also possible. Cats with feline leukemia virus are also more
likely to become infected although healthy cats without the virus can also pick it up. Cats who
roam outside during the spring and summer months are most at risk for this disease due to
their increased risk of exposure to fleas, ticks, and mosquitos.
This organism is not infectious to humans or dogs within an infected cats household, however
flea and external parasite protection is very important in households with multiple cats.