Natural infection and diversity of hemotropic mycoplasmas in free-ranging Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) and margay cat (Leopardus wiedii) populations in Southern Brazil

Hemoplasma infection significantly impacts felines health, yet there is a research gap regarding free-ranging wild small felids. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of hemoplasma in Leopardus geoffroyi and Leopardus wiedii in southern Brazil. For this purpose, we conducted molecular research for Mycoplasma spp. based on the 16S rRNA gene in 79 blood samples from captured wild felids. When positive, the samples were submitted to species-specific reactions for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ (CMhm), and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ (CMt). A total of 39/79 samples were positive for at least one species of hemoplasma. The frequencies found by hemoplasma species were: 39.2 % (31/79) for Mhf, 17.7 % (14/79) for CMhm, and 20.2 % (16/79) for CMt. Factors such as species, sex, age, pelage, capture season, ectoparasite presence, and co-infection with another Mycoplasma were not associated with hemoplasma infection. This study provides the first evidence of circulating hemotropic mycoplasmas in free-living L. geoffroyi and L. wiedii in southern Brazil. •This is the first report of hemoplasma in free-rangging small cats in Brazil.•Leopardus geoffroyi and Leopardus wieddi are potential reservoirs of hemoplasmas.•Mycoplasma haemofelis presented a higher occurrence between hemoplasmas species.