Revisão de Literatura: micoplasmas hemotrópicos em mamíferos silvestres: características, epidemiologia, diagnóstico e impacto na conservação da fauna

Abstract

Hemotropic mycoplasmas can be defined as bacteria capable of infecting the surface of erythrocytes in a variety of mammalian species. These bacteria cause a range of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic infections, which may underestimate their prevalence, to moderate to severe hemolytic anemia. The occurrence of this pathogen is best described in domestic animals compared to wild animals, where there is a lack of information regarding the biological impact, hosts, transmission routes, and other factors. The proximity between humans and wildlife has increased due to factors such as habitat invasion and deforestation, a fact that highlights the need to investigate potentially zoonotic pathogens such as hemotropic mycoplasmas, encompassing the concept of One Health—the relationship between animals, the environment, and humans. This study aimed to review available data on hosts, transmission routes, symptoms, vectors, diagnosis, public health risks, and ecological impacts of these pathogens. Based on the studies analyzed, hemotropic mycoplasmas are capable of infecting a wide variety of mammalian orders, such as Carnivora, Primates, Chiroptera, and Rodentia. Their detection involves molecular diagnostic techniques such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and genetic sequencing (16S rRNA gene). These agents can pose a risk to wildlife conservation and reintroduction programs, even by causing subclinical infections. Reports of human infections raise the possibility of their zoonotic significance.