Differentiation of Haemobartonella canis and Mycoplasma haemofelis on the basis of comparative analysis of gene sequences.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether Haemobartonella canis and Mycoplasma haemofelis (formerly known as H felis [large form]) can be differentiated by use of comparative analysis of gene sequences.


METHODS
Blood samples obtained from 3 dogs infected with H canis and 2 cats infected with M haemofelis.


METHODS
The partial 16S rDNA and ribonuclease P RNA (RNase P) genes were amplified, cloned, and sequenced in blood samples obtained from H canis-infected dogs and M haemofelis-infected cats. The DNA sequences were subjected to comparative analysis.


RESULTS
The 16S rDNA sequences of H canis and M haemofelis were nearly identical (homology of 99.3 to 99.7%). In contrast, RNase P gene sequences had a lower degree of sequence homology between the 2 organisms (94.3 to 95.5%).


CONCLUSIONS
Haemobartonella canis and M haemofelis are not identical organisms. Molecular differentiation of H canis and M haemofelis is more clearly evident by use of comparative analysis of RNase P gene sequences than by comparative analysis of 16S rDNA gene sequences.
Birkenheuer
Adam J
AJ
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27606-1428, USA.
Breitschwerdt
Edward B
EB
Alleman
A Rick
AR
Pitulle
Christian
C
D000710:Anaplasmataceae / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D000711:Anaplasmataceae Infections / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D002415:Cats; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D004285:Dogs; D009174:Mycoplasma / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D009175:Mycoplasma Infections / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000662:veterinary; D010802:Phylogeny; D012260:Ribonucleases / Q000235:genetics; D013045:Species Specificity
D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D012260:Ribonucleases