Detection and characterization of Candidatus mycoplasma haemolamae haplotype in South American camelids farmed in Italy.

ABSTRACT: 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemolamae' (CMhl) is a hemotropic bacterium infecting South American Camelids (SAC), whose epidemiology and clinical significance are still not fully elucidated. This study investigated CMhl by qPCR in blood samples of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and llamas (Lama glama) in Italy in 2021-2024, characterizing CMhl haplotypes based on partial 16 S rRNA sequences and defining haematological findings in a subset of CMhl-infected animals. Statistical analysis was performed to detect potential risk factors associated with CMhl positivity. Out of 206 animals (200 alpacas and 6 llamas), CMhl was detected by qPCR in 88 (42.7%) animals. CMhl haplotype #1 and #2 were detected in 42.2% and 0.5% of the animals, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that higher CMhl

SUBMITTER: Lauzi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12819477 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature