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Hemotropic mycoplasmas (formerly classified as Haemobartonella and Eperythrozoon) are small, uncultivable bacteria that attach to the surface of red blood cells. They can cause hemolytic anemia of varying severity, with clinical signs including lethargy, weakness, pallor, and occasional icterus. Disease severity ranges from subclinical carrier states to life-threatening anemia, particularly in immunocompromised animals, young animals, or following splenectomy. Transmission occurs through blood-sucking arthropods, direct blood contact, and vertical transmission. PCR testing is essential as these organisms are difficult to consistently visualize on blood smears due to their small size and cyclic parasitemia.

Clinical Significance of Hemoplasma Testing
Diagnostic Challenge: Difficult to detect on blood smears due to small size and cyclic parasitemia.
Immunocompromised Risk: Severe disease in FIV/FeLV positive cats or immunosuppressed animals.
Species Variation: Different hemoplasma species have varying pathogenicity.
Chronic Infection: Animals may become chronic carriers following clinical recovery.