First molecular evidence of Bartonella spp. and hemoplasmas in cattle from Mozambique

Although Mozambique is amongst the countries that suffer the most economic losses due to tick-borne pathogens in cattle, little is known about the occurrence and genetic diversity of these agents. The present study aimed to detect, through molecular methods, the occurrence of Bartonella spp. and hemoplasmas in cattle sampled in Maputo Province, Mozambique. Between June and July 2014, DNA samples were extracted from the blood of 222 animals and subjected to real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting the 16–23S rRNA intergenic spacer region (ITS) of Bartonella sp., as well as to PCR assays for ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos’ and Mycoplasma wenyonii based on the 16S rRNA gene. Samples that tested positive in the qPCR for Bartonella sp. were subjected to cPCR assays for characterization, targeting seven molecular markers (gltA, ftsZ, nuoG, groEL, pap31, rpoB genes, and the 16S–23S rRNA intergenic spacer - ITS). Among the 222 samples, 49 (22.1%) were positive in the qPCR for Bartonella spp. The gltA, ftsZ, and nuoG sequences obtained in the PCR assays showed > 99.5% identity to Bartonella bovis. The five sequences obtained from samples positive for the ribC gene could not be successfully sequenced. No samples tested positive in the PCR assays based on the groEL, pap31, rpoB genes, or the intergenic 16S-23S rRNA (ITS) region. On the other hand, 153/222 (68.9%) were positive for hemoplasmas: 29/153 (18.9%) only for M. wenyonii, 24/153 (15.7%) only for ‘Ca. M. haemobos’, and 70/153 (45.7%) for both species. Co-positivity for all three agents was detected in 11/222 (4.9%) cattle. This study reports the first molecular detection of B. bovis, ‘Ca. M. haemobos’, and M. wenyonii in cattle sampled in Mozambique, demonstrating that these hemopathogens are circulating in the region. Adult cattle showed higher odds of testing positive for hemoplasmas. The simultaneous detection of these agents highlights the importance of continuous epidemiological surveillance, especially because subclinical infections may compromise animal productivity and enable the silent maintenance of these pathogens within herds. These findings expand the current understanding of cattle health in Mozambique and provide essential data for developing monitoring, control, and prevention strategies tailored to local conditions. The real impact of B. bovis and hemoplasma infections on the productive performance of beef and dairy cattle should be further investigated.