Confirmation of the presence of Hemotropic Mycoplasma species in working equids from Veracruz, Mexico.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (HM) are emerging pathogens known to infect a wide range of mammals, including ungulates like horses. These infections can lead to severe haematological conditions, posing a threat to animal health and welfare. Recent studies have begun shedding light on the prevalence and impact of HM on horse populations worldwide. For instance, in Germany, Iran, Nigeria, and Brazil, at least three species of HM have been identified in horses, with a lack in knowledge in Latin American countries like Mexico. Our research aims to fill a crucial knowledge gap regarding the presence of HM in equine populations in the coastal state of Veracruz, Mexico. We collected blood samples from 134 horses and extracted genomic DNA, to target a fragment of 900 bp of the 16S-rDNA gene of HM for amplification and sequencing. Three animals (2.24% = 3/134) tested positive for the presence of HMs. Through phylogenetic reconstruction, the identity of the recovered HMs could be confirmed, providing insight into the specific species present in the equine population. The detection of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemovis and Mycoplasma haemocanis in three horses from the municipalities of Alvarado and Vega de Alatorre highlights the presence of these pathogens in the studied area. This finding not only contributes to the understanding of HM distribution in Mexico and the Mesoamerican region, but also underscores the need for further research and surveillance efforts to monitor and manage these infections in equine populations.