Molecular Detection and Characterization of Hemotropic Mycoplasma in Long-tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) Previously Unreported in Provinces in Southern Thailand

Hemoplasmas are Gram-negative bacteria that can cause hemolytic anemia in a variety of mammalian species, including non-human primates. This study investigated the molecular prevalence and genetic characteristics of hemoplasmas in free-ranging long-tailed macaques in three previously unreported provinces in southern Thailand. In total, 210 blood samples were collected from long-tailed macaques in Phang Nga, Phetchaburi, and Satun provinces. DNA was extracted from the blood samples and screened for hemoplasmas using a broad-range nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Positive samples were sequenced for species identification, and phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine their genetic relationships. Overall, 35.7% (75/210; 95% CI = 29.2–42.6%) of the samples tested positive for hemoplasmas. Sequence analysis showed 99.3–100.0% identity with Candidatus Mycoplasma haematomacacae. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that all sequences clustered within the Ca . M. haematomacacae clade, together with other reported isolates from macaques in several countries, including Thailand. In conclusion, this study has provided molecular evidence of Ca . M. haematomacacae infection in long-tailed macaques in areas where such infections had not been previously reported. Based on the results of this study, long-tailed macaques in various regions of Thailand might be infected with and act as reservoirs for this pathogen.