First molecular detection and phylogenetic analyses of canine hemoplasma species in Çorum province

Canine hemoplasma species, Mycoplasma haemocanis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum, are important vector-borne pathogens and can lead to clinical manifestations in dogs. These species may also infect humans and may lead to clinical manifestations. Although several vector-borne pathogens have been reported, there is a paucity of information about the presence and prevalence of hemoplasma species in dogs in Türkiye. This study aimed to investigate the presence and prevalence of hemoplasma species in dogs in Çorum province using molecular methods. In this work, 170 dog blood samples were collected from Çorum province. DNA extraction was done from blood samples, and the obtained DNA were examined for canine hemoplasma species using species-specific PCR assay and DNA sequence analyses. Canine hemoplasma species were identified in 15.29% (26/170) of dog blood samples. Only M. haemocanis was detected in 8.82% (15/170), while Can. M. haematoparvum was 2.94% (5/170). Mixed-infection rate was 3.53% (6/170). Randomly selected two positive PCR-products, one positive sample each pathogen, were sequenced, and the determined consensus sequences were deposited in the GenBank with accession numbers: PV590864 (M. haemocanis) and PV590865 (Can. M. haematoparvum). Nucleotide identities of 98.47-100% were present between M. haemocanis isolate identified in this study and M. haemocanis isolates uploaded to GenBank. The 97.41-100% nucleotide identities were seen between Can. M. haematoparvum isolates obtained in the study and those of Can. M. haematoparvum isolates present in the GenBank. Mycoplasma haemocanis and Can. M. haematoparvum were detected for the first time in Çorum province. Considering that these species threaten both animal and human health, it is thought that veterinarians and physicians in the region should take the necessary precautions to protect against these pathogens.