Haemotropic Mycoplasma sp. in a sow from Assam, India

Haemotropic Mycoplasma are specialized bacteria affecting red blood cells. They are associated with weakness, anaemia, stunted growth and mortality in piglets and reproductive failure in the adults. The present communication reports the detection of this organism (tentatively diagnosed as M. suis) in Assam in the blood of a pyrexic and recumbent sow brought for treatment at the Veterinary Clinical Complex of Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University. Giemsa-stained blood smear revealed about 1% erythrocytes were infected with coccoid and ring forms of the organism. Estimation of red cell parameters in the blood sample revealed that haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocytes count (TEC) values were within the normal range. This is the first report of the organism from the state of Assam and further investigation on the extent of prevalence is warranted.