Detection of Mycoplasma and Hepatozoon

Tick-borne diseases (TBD) in dogs have been an emerging issue worldwide. In the Philippines, most reports are in the northern areas, which include Babesia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Hepatozoon spp. The Mycoplasma spp., a suspected TBD pathogen, has not been reported in Philippine dogs while Hepatozoon spp. has not been previously documented in the southern Philippines. The present study aimed to evaluate the presence of Mycoplasma and Hepatozoon spp. in dogs in Cebu, Philippines. A total of 100 dogs from four veterinary clinics and hospitals were tested for Hepatozoon and Mycoplasma spp. using PCR. The inclusion criteria used were presence or history of ticks, anemia and/or thrombocytopenia. Clinical signs of the dogs were also obtained. There were four and two dogs found positive for Hepatozoon and Mycoplasma spp., respectively using PCR, and two dogs were found positive for Hepatozoon spp. using PBSE. Clinical signs such as lethargy, inappetence, fever, weight loss, and paleness were observed in most of the subjects. This study is the first of Mycoplasma spp. detection in Philippine dogs, and the initial report of Hepatozoon spp. in the southern Philippines.