High diversity, novel genotypes, and vertical transmission of hemotropic Mycoplasma in micromammals.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are emerging zoonotic pathogens. Micromammals have received little attention as hosts for hemoplasmas despite their ubiquitous presence, high population abundances, and close association with humans. A PCR protocol targeting a fragment of the 16 S rRNA gene and direct sequencing in blood samples of 189 adult specimens and 35 fetuses belonging to three species of Eulipotyphla (shrews) and seven species of Rodentia, captured in three ecologically diverse habitats in North-Eastern Spain (Steppe, High Mountain, Mediterranean) yielded and occurrence of 26%, including 36% of 39 shrews and 23% of 150 rodents. Sequencing revealed the presence of 14 nucleotide sequence types (ntST) among the 56 readable sequences. In general, each ntST was associated with a given host species, although in some cases, the same ntST was sequenced in different species (chiefly rodents). Most ntST were closely related to rodent and/or bat hemoplasmas, but one was identical with Mycoplasma haemocanis/haemofelis, and others can be considered novel genotypes. High sequence diversity was detected in rodents, whereas in the white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula), 9/11 sequences from two distant areas were identical. Phylogenetic and network analyses classified our sequences in different clades including hemoplasmas of rodents, carnivores, bats, and humans. Twelve of the fetuses (34.2%) of 9/12 litters (75.0%) of shrews and rodents were hemoplasma-positive, indicating frequent vertical transmission. Our study contributes to expanding our knowledge about the distribution, diversity, and transmission of hemoplasmas.

Wide bovine tick-borne pathogen spectrum: Predominancy of Theileria annulata and the first molecular detection of Ehrlichia minasensis in Turkey.

Vector-borne diseases indulge in severe economic losses in the livestock industry by adversely affecting cattle breeding in tropical and subtropical zone countries, including Turkey, encompassing a wide land area representing diverse climatic conditions. This study aimed to investigate significant bovine tick-borne piroplasm, rickettsia, and some other bacterial agents by genus- or species-specific PCR and nested PCR techniques in Turkey. A total of 210 cattle blood samples were collected from sixteen provinces in different geographical regions of Turkey. PCR analyses were performed targeting the detection of Babesia/Theileria/Hepatozoon sp. 18S rRNA, Babesia/Theileria sp. 18S rRNA (V4), B. bigemina RAP-1a, B. bovis SBP-4, B. ovata AMA-1, B. naoaki AMA-1, T. annulata Tams-1, T. orientalis MPSP, T. mutans 18S rRNA, Anaplasma/Ehrlichia sp. 16S rRNA, A. marginale MSP4, A. bovis 16S rRNA, A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA, A. capra 16S rRNA, E. ruminantium pSC20, Mycoplasma sp. 16S rRNA, and Coxiella burnetii 16S rRNA genes. Overall, 133 (63.3%) cattle were found to be infected with at least one of the following protozoan or bacterial pathogens; B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. occultans, T. annulata, T. orientalis, A. marginale, A. phagocytophilum, and Mycoplasma sp. The total prevalence of pathogens was determined as follows; 0.5% B. bovis, 0.5% B. bigemina, 1.4% B. occultans, 41.0% T. annulata, 1.4% T. orientalis, 10.5% A. marginale, 13.8% A. phagocytophilum, 0.5% A. bovis, 2.9% Uncultured Anaplasma sp., 0.5% E. minasensis, 0.5% Uncultured Ehrlichia sp., and 23.3% Mycoplasma sp. Moreover, large part of the total infection (n:133) was composed of single infections (63.9%); however, double (24.8%), triple (7.5%), quadruple (2.3%), and quintuple (1.5%) co-infections were also encountered. In addition to some bovine pathogens such as B. occultans, T. orientalis, A. bovis, M. wenyonii, and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, which were rarely reported in Turkey, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed the first detection of Uncultured Ehrlichia sp. (0.5%), and E. minasensis (0.5%) with 100% nucleotide sequence identities. The study also indicates that the spectrum of pathogens harbored by Turkish cattle is quite wide, and these pathogens cause multiple co-infections with various combinations, and T. annulata stands out as the primary bovine pathogen among them.

Mycoplasma bradburyae sp. nov. isolated from the trachea of sea birds.

In the search for mollicutes in wild birds, six Mycoplasma strains were isolated from tracheal swabs taken from four different species of seabirds. Four strains originated from three Yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) and a Cory's shearwater (Calonectris borealis) from Spain, one from a South African Kelp gull (Larus dominicanus), and one from an Italian Black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus). These Mycoplasma strains presented 99 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values with Mycoplasma (M.) gallisepticum. Phylogenetic analyses of marker genes (16S rRNA gene and rpoB) confirmed the close relationship of the strains to M. gallisepticum and M. tullyi. The seabirds' strains grew well in modified Hayflick medium, and colonies showed typical fried egg morphology. They produced acid from glucose and mannose but did not hydrolyze arginine or urea. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a cell morphology characteristic of mycoplasmas, presenting spherical to flask-shaped cells with an attachment organelle. Gliding motility was also observed. Furthermore, serological tests, MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry and genomic studies demonstrated that the strains were different to any known Mycoplasma species, for which the name Mycoplasma bradburyae sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is T158T (DSM 110708 = NCTC 14398).

Phenotypic and genetic insights into efflux pump mechanism in Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis.

Introduction: Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis is one of the most important waterfowl-pathogenic mycoplasmas. Due to inadequate antibiotic treatment, many strains with high minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for multiple drugs have been isolated lately. Decreased antibiotic susceptibility in several Mycoplasma species are known to be associated with mutations in topoisomerase and ribosomal genes, but other strategies such as active efflux pump mechanisms were also described. The scope of this study was the phenotypic and genetic characterization of the active efflux mechanism in M. anserisalpingitidis. Methods: We measured the MIC values in the presence and absence of different efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs), such as carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazine (CCCP), orthovanadate (OV), and reserpine (RSP). Moreover, bioinformatic tools were utilized to detect putative regulatory sequences of membrane transport proteins coding genes, while comparative genome analysis was performed to reveal potential markers of antibiotic resistance. Results: Out of the three examined EPIs, CCCP decreased the MICs at least two-fold below the original MICs (in 23 cases out of 36 strains). In the presence of OV or RSP, MIC value differences could be seen only if modified dilution series (10% decrease steps were used instead of two-fold dilutions) were applied (in 24/36 cases with OV and 9/36 with RSP). During comparative genome analysis, non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) were identified in genes encoding ABC membrane transport proteins, which were displayed in higher percentages in M. anserisalpingitidis strains with increased MICs. In terms of other genes, a nsSNP was identified in DNA gyrase subunit A (gyrA) gene which can be related to decreased susceptibility to enrofloxacin. The present study is the first to highlight the importance of efflux pump mechanisms in M. anserisalpingitidis. Discussion: Considering the observed effects of the EPI CCCP against this bacterium, it can be assumed, that the use of EPIs would increase the efficiency of targeted antibiotic therapy in the future control of this pathogen. However, further research is required to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of efflux pump mechanism in this bacterium.

A strategic model of a host-microbe-microbe system reveals the importance of a joint host-microbe immune response to combat stress-induced gut dysbiosis.

Microbiomes provide key ecological functions to their host; however, most host-associated microbiomes are too complicated to allow a model of essential host-microbe-microbe interactions. The intestinal microbiota of salmonids may offer a solution since few dominating species often characterize it. Healthy fish coexist with a mutualistic Mycoplasma sp. species, while stress allows the spread of pathogenic strains, such as Aliivibrio sp. Even after a skin infection, the Mycoplasma does not recover; Aliivibrio sp. often remains the dominant species, or Mycoplasma-Aliivibrio coexistence was occasionally observed. We devised a model involving interactions among the host immune system, Mycoplasma sp. plus a toxin-producing pathogen. Our model embraces a complete microbiota community and is in harmony with experimental results that host-Mycoplasma mutualism prevents the spread of pathogens. Contrary, stress suppresses the host immune system allowing dominance of pathogens, and Mycoplasma does not recover after stress disappears.

A case of acute monocytic leukemia (AMoL or AML-M5) in an adult FeLV/FIV-positive cat.

A 7-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of decreased appetite and respiratory signs. A CBC run on presentation revealed severe nonregenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukocytosis characterized by a prominent population of blasts, having morphologic features suggestive of a monocytic lineage. The cat tested positive for FIV, FeLV, Mycoplasma haemominutum, and only mild abnormalities were identified on the chemistry panel. Bone marrow biopsies were obtained to investigate the bicytopenia and the possibility of a hematopoietic neoplasm. Although the bone marrow aspirate was nondiagnostic, the core biopsy was markedly hypercellular with a population of blasts, largely replacing the normal hematopoietic tissue. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the blasts were CD3-negative, Pax5-negative, dimly CD18-positive, and moderately positive for Iba1. These findings, in addition to the prominent monocytic differentiation seen in peripheral blood, supported a diagnosis of acute monocytic leukemia. Palliative antiviral and antibiotic treatment and blood transfusion were performed. The patient was discharged on his fourth day of hospitalization. However, 15 days following discharge, the cat was euthanized due to the worsening of his systemic signs. This report discusses the classifications of myeloid leukemias, implications of infectious diseases in the pathogenesis of neoplasia in cats, and the use of Iba1, a "pan-monocytic/histiocytic" marker, in the diagnosis of acute leukemia.

Swine Conjunctivitis Associated with a Novel Mycoplasma Species Closely Related to Mycoplasma hyorhinis.

Conjunctivitis in swine is a common finding, usually considered to be a secondary symptom of respiratory or viral systemic disease, or a result of irritation by dust or ammonia, or of local infections with Mycoplasma (M.) hyorhinis or chlamydia. In three unrelated swine farms in Germany with a high prevalence of conjunctivitis, a novel mycoplasma species, tentatively named Mycoplasma sp. 1654_15, was isolated from conjunctival swabs taken from affected pigs. Although 16S rRNA gene sequences shared highest nucleotide similarities with M. hyorhinis, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, partial rpoB sequencing, and comparative whole genome analyses indicated the identification of a novel species within genus Mycoplasma. Noticeable differences between Mycoplasma sp. 1654_15 and M. hyorhinis were the lack of a vlp locus and the presence of a myo-inositol pathway in the genome of strain 1654_15. Since myo-inositol might be used as an alternative energy source by this pathogen on the conjunctival surface, robust colonization by outcompeting other bacteria could be the consequence. In summary, abundant isolation of Mycoplasma sp. 1654_15 from the conjunctiva of affected pigs, its close relationship to M. hyorhinis, and identification of a panel of coding sequences (CDSs) potentially associated with virulence and pathogenicity suggested a local eye disease caused by a so far unknown, highly specialized mycoplasma species.

Advanced vacuolation indicates propagation of various salmonid alphavirus type 2 isolates in Acholeplasma-infected BF-2 cells.

During previous routine inspections of bluegill fry (BF-2) and rainbow trout gonad (RTG-2) cells incubated with organ samples from asymptomatic Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus, brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, a distinctive, reproducible cytopathic effect (CPE) appeared. The striking CPE, involving progressive vacuolation turning into slowly proceeding pyknotic degeneration, was originally attributed exclusively to enhanced growth of Acholeplasma sp. However, at a recent re-examination of re-infected BF-2 cells using electron microscopy (EM), conventional PCR, and quantitative PCR (qPCR), a virus was also detected. Two days post inoculation (dpi), EM revealed characteristic virions inside cytoplasmic vacuoles and next to bacteria outside the cells. The nucleotide sequences of the viral nsP3 gene fragment obtained from supernatants of infected cells were 100% identical and representative for salmonid alphavirus type 2 (SAV 2). The 16S RNA gene (16S rDNA) fragment sequences of the Mollicutes-specific PCR product obtained from SAV-infected as well as virus-free BF-2 control cells were identical with Acholeplasma laidlawii. In addition, qPCR results indicated enhanced propagation of virus and bacteria increasing with vacuolation between 5 and 8 dpi. Advanced vacuolation can be regarded as a CPE of both SAV and A. laidlawii, suggesting a viral impact on the bacterial infection that turns a latent intracellular stage into an apparent degenerative condition.

Composition of the microbial communities in the gastrointestinal tract of perch (Perca fluviatilis L. 1758) and cestodes parasitizing the perch digestive tract.

Using the approach of sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, we have analysed the bacterial diversity associated with the distinct compartments of the gastrointestinal tract of perch (Perca fluviatilis) and cestodes (Proteocephalus sp.) parasitizing their digestive tract. The dominant microbiota associated with cestodes (Proteocephalus sp.) was represented by bacteria from the genera Serratia, Pseudomonas and Mycoplasma. By comparing the associated microbiota of perch and cestodes, a clear difference in bacterial composition and diversity was revealed between the community from the stomach content and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract of fish. Microbiota associated with cestodes was not significantly different in comparison with microbiota of different subcompartments of perch (mucosa and content of intestine and pyloric caeca) (ADONIS, p > .05) excluding microbiota of stomach content (ADONIS, p ≤ .05). PICRUSt-based functional assessments of the microbial communities of perch and cestodes indicated that they mainly linked in terms of metabolism and environmental information processing and could play an important role in the nutrition and health of host.

Detection of Hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. in white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from Southern Brazil / Detecção de Mycoplasma sp. hemotrópico em gambás-de-orelha-branca (Didelphis albiventris) no Sul do Brasil

Abstract Opossums are marsupials from the New World of the genus Didelphis and known as synanthropic animals due to their proximity with human beings. To date, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemodidelphis' has been solely found infecting the North American opossum (Didelphis virginiana). Accordingly, the aim of this study was to screen eight white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from a public park in Maringa city, Paraná State, southern Brazil, for hemoplasma infection. Blood samples were taken from caudal venipuncture, and DNA was extracted and further screened by a pan-hemoplasma PCR assay. Seven out of eight (87.50%; CI 95%: 47.35-99.68%) white-eared opossums were positive for Mycoplasma spp. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA fragment showed 98,97% identity with 'Ca. M. haemodidelphis' detected in the USA. Three out of eight (37.50%; CI 95%: 8.52-75.51%) white-eared opossums were infested by Amblyomma dubitatum ticks. This is the first report on detection of a potentially novel hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. infecting opossums from South America.

Resumo Gambás são marsupiais do Novo Mundo, pertencentes ao gênero Didelphis, e considerados animais sinantrópicos devido à sua proximidade com seres humanos. Atualmente, a espécie 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemodidelphis' só foi encontrada infectando gambá norte americano (Didelphis virginiana). O objetivo do presente estudo foi detectar a infecção por hemoplasmas em oito gambás-de-orelha-branca (Didelphis albiventris) capturados em um parque público da cidade de Maringá, no Estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas por venopunção caudal para a extração do DNA e posterior análise pela PCR para espécies de hemoplasmas. Sete de oito animais (87,50%; CI 95%: 47,35-99,68%) foram considerados positivos para Mycoplasma spp. O sequenciamento do fragmento do gene 16S rRNA obtido apresentou 98.97% de similaridade com sequências de 'Ca. M. haemodidelphis' detectadas nos Estados Unidos. Três gambás (37,50%; CI 95%: 8,52-75,51%) estavam infestados por carrapatos da espécie Amblyomma dubitatum. Esse é o primeiro relato de detecção de uma potencial nova espécie de Mycoplasma hemotrópico infectando gambás na América do Sul.

First description of two moderately halophilic and psychrotolerant Mycoplasma species isolated from cephalopods and proposal of Mycoplasma marinum sp. nov. and Mycoplasma todarodis sp. nov.

Two moderately halophilic and psychrotolerant new Mycoplasma species were isolated from common cephalopods. Three strains were isolated in pure culture from two individual European flying squid (Todarodes sagittatus), and two individual octopuses (Octopus vulgaris). The strains showed optimal growth at 25 °C and a salinity of 3% (w/v) NaCl. Molecular analyses revealed that the isolates belonged to two new, but phylogenetically related species, divergent from all previously described Mollicutes, representing the first marine isolates of the class, and also the first Mycoplasma strains for which NaCl requirement has been demonstrated. A genome search against all available marine metagenomes and 16S rRNA gene databases indicated that these two species represent a novel non-free-living marine lineage of Mollicutes, specifically associated with marine animals. Morphology and physiology were compatible with other members of this group, and genomic and phenotypic analyses demonstrated that these organisms represent two novel species of the genus Mycoplasma, for which the names Mycoplasma marinum sp. nov. and Mycoplasma todarodis sp. nov. are proposed; the type strains are PET (DSM 105487T, CIP 111404T) and 5HT (DSM 105,488T, CIP 111405T), respectively.

DETECTION OF MYCOPLASMA SP. IN INDOCHINESE BOX TURTLES (CUORA BOURRETI).

Mycoplasma species are important pathogens of captive and free-ranging chelonians. Bourret's box turtle (Cuora bourreti) is a critically endangered species of Indochinese box turtle in the family Geoemydidae. Four privately owned wild-caught Bourret's box turtles were presented for clinical evaluation for anorexia and lethargy following shipment from a reptile wholesaler 3 wk prior. Choanal-cloacal swabs of two of the turtles were positive for Mycoplasma sp. by polymerase chain reaction. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer was 99% homologous to an unclassified Mycoplasma sp. previously documented in free-ranging and captive North American species of the family Emydidae. The potential of Mycoplasma sp. to induce disease in Bourret's box turtles is unknown. Global trade in live reptiles is believed to have facilitated this potential expansion of host range.

A serologic survey of Mycoplasma spp. in farmed bison ( Bison bison) herds in western Canada.

Mycoplasma bovis is emerging as an important pathogen of farmed bison in North America and is associated with high morbidity and mortality in affected herds. We developed an in-house ELISA to detect antibodies against Mycoplasma spp. in bison sera. The aims of the study were to estimate the seroprevalence against Mycoplasma spp. in bison herds with or without past history of M. bovis-associated disease, and to determine potential risk factors for seropositivity to Mycoplasma spp. in farmed bison in western Canada. A total of 858 serum samples were collected from bison >1 y of age from 19 bison herds. The individual and herd-level seroprevalence of Mycoplasma spp. was 12% and 79%, respectively. The proportion of seropositive animals was 0-41% and 0-9% for herds with or without a history of M. bovis-associated disease, respectively. Mycoplasma spp. appear to be widespread in bison in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Eight of 11 herds with no history of M. bovis-associated disease were seropositive for Mycoplasma spp., which suggests that bison can be subclinically infected with Mycoplasma spp., or that infection may be underdiagnosed. Although not specific to M. bovis, the in-house ELISA developed to detect antibodies against Mycoplasma spp. may prove to be a valuable herd-level screening tool, providing insight needed for the development of appropriate prevention and control measures for Mycoplasma-related disease in bison herds.

Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Mycoplasma sp. 1220 strains isolated from geese in Hungary.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma sp. 1220 can induce inflammation primarily in the genital and respiratory tracts of waterfowl, leading to serious economic losses. Adequate housing and appropriate antibiotic treatment are promoted in the control of the disease. The aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro susceptibility to thirteen different antibiotics and an antibiotic combination of thirty-eight M. sp. 1220 strains isolated from geese and a duck in several parts of Hungary, Central Europe between 2011 and 2015. RESULTS: High MIC50 values were observed in the cases of tilmicosin (>64 µg/ml), oxytetracycline (64 µg/ml), norfloxacin (>10 µg/ml) and difloxacin (10 µg/ml). The examined strains yielded the same MIC50 values with spectinomycin, tylosin and florfenicol (8 µg/ml), while enrofloxacin (MIC50 5 µg/ml), doxycycline (MIC50 5 µg/ml), lincomycin (MIC50 4 µg/ml) and lincomycin-spectinomycin (1:2) combination (MIC50 4 µg/ml) inhibited the growth of the bacteria with lower concentrations. Tylvalosin (MIC50 0.5 µg/ml) and two pleuromutilins (tiamulin MIC50 0.625 µg/ml; valnemulin MIC50 ≤ 0.039 µg/ml) were found to be the most effective drugs against M. sp. 1220. However, strains with elevated MIC values were detected for all applied antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Valnemulin, tiamulin and tylvalosin were found to be the most effective antibiotics in the study. Increasing resistance was observed in the cases of several antibiotics. The results highlight the importance of testing Mycoplasma species for antibiotic susceptibility before therapy.

Clinical Mycoplasma sp. Infections in Free-living Three-toed Box Turtles ( Terrapene carolina triunguis) in Missouri, USA.

Mycoplasma species, which can cause upper respiratory tract disease (URTD), are significant pathogens of birds, mammals, fish, and reptiles. Mycoplasmosis is of high concern for chelonian conservation, with the most well-documented cases in gopher and desert tortoises. Mycoplasma sp. infections have been reported in captive and free-living box turtles ( Terrapene spp.). We documented URTD associated with Mycoplasma sp. in two free-living, three-toed box turtles ( Terrapene carolina triunguis) in Missouri, US. Both turtles were Mycoplasma sp. positive by PCR and had URTD-like clinical signs, including nasal and ocular discharge, palpebral edema, lethargy, and weight loss, during a 6-8-wk period between June and September 2014.

RANAVIRUS EPIZOOTIC IN CAPTIVE EASTERN BOX TURTLES (TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA) WITH CONCURRENT HERPESVIRUS AND MYCOPLASMA INFECTION: MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING.

Frog virus 3 (FV3) and FV3-like viruses are members of the genus Ranavirus (family Iridoviridae) and are becoming recognized as significant pathogens of eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) in North America. In July 2011, 5 turtles from a group of 27 in Maryland, USA, presented dead or lethargic with what was later diagnosed as fibrinonecrotic stomatitis and cloacitis. The presence of FV3-like virus and herpesvirus was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the tested index cases. The remaining 22 animals were isolated, segregated by severity of clinical signs, and treated with nutritional support, fluid therapy, ambient temperature management, antibiotics, and antiviral therapy. Oral swabs were tested serially for FV3-like virus by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and tested at day 0 for herpesvirus and Mycoplasma sp. by conventional PCR. With oral swabs, 77% of the 22 turtles were FV3-like virus positive; however, qPCR on tissues taken during necropsy revealed the true prevalence was 86%. FV3-like virus prevalence and the median number of viral copies being shed significantly declined during the outbreak. The prevalence of herpesvirus and Mycoplasma sp. by PCR of oral swabs at day 0 was 55% and 68%, respectively. The 58% survival rate was higher than previously reported in captive eastern box turtles for a ranavirus epizootic. All surviving turtles brumated normally and emerged the following year with no clinical signs during subsequent monitoring. The immediate initiation of treatment and intensive supportive care were considered the most important contributing factors to the successful outcome in this outbreak.

Widespread infection with hemotropic mycoplasmas in bats in Spain, including a hemoplasma closely related to "Candidatus Mycoplasma hemohominis".

Molecular analyses of blood samples revealed infection with hemoplasmas in 97% of 31 cave bats captured in three caves in North-Eastern Spain. The characterization of 1250 bp of the 16S rRNA gene in 29 of the positive bats identified two different groups of sequences. Twenty-two Schreibers' bats (Miniopterus schreibersii) and one long-eared bat (Myotis capaccinii) shared one group, composed of seven closely related sequences. These sequences showed an identity of about 97% with "Candidatus Mycoplasma hemohominis" and the phylogenetic branch including bat and human sequences showed a 100% bootstrap value, supporting a close phylogenetic relationship between these hemoplasmas. The second group, representing a potentially novel species, was composed of a single sequence shared by six Schreibers' bats that had 91% identity with the recently reported hemoplasma from little brown bats in North America. Large bat aggregations in roosting caves probably benefits intra and inter-species transmission explaining the high observed prevalence.