| Description | Mycoplasma haemofelis is a gram-negative, pleomorphic bacterium that thrives in temperatures between 25-37°C, making it a mesophilic microorganism. This microbe is a chemoheterotroph, utilizing organic compounds as its energy source and CO2 as its carbon source. It produces energy through the process of fermentation, breaking down glucose and other organic molecules to yield ATP. Mycoplasma haemofelis is found in all body sites of cats, including the blood, tissues, and mucous membranes. It is a zoonotic pathogen, capable of infecting both felines and humans. As a gram-negative bacterium, Mycoplasma haemofelis lacks a peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall, which is typical of gram-positive bacteria. Instead, it has a thin cell wall composed of lipids and proteins. Its pleomorphic shape allows it to adapt to different environments, enabling it to infect and colonize a wide range of host tissues. Mycoplasma haemofelis is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it requires a low or absent oxygen environment to survive and grow. In fact, it is sensitive to even trace amounts of oxygen and is often found in anaerobic environments within the host, such as the blood and tissues. Despite being an obligate anaerobe, Mycoplasma haemofelis has evolved unique mechanisms to cope with the host's immune response and survive exposure to oxidative stress. Its ability to form biofilms and persist in the host's tissues has made it a significant pathogen in feline medicine, causing diseases such as feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis. Mycoplasma haemofelis has also been found to interact with the host's innate immune system, modulating the activity of immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages. Further research on this microbe may uncover novel approaches for treating feline diseases and understanding the complex interactions between microbes and their hosts. |
|---|
