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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.