Threatened Neotropical Primates Harbor Genetically Diverse Hemoplasmas, Including Putative Novel Genotypes and Previously Unrecognized Host Associations

Hemoplasmas are hemotropic mycoplasmas that infect erythrocytes and may cause hemolytic anemia in mammalian hosts. However, information on their occurrence and genetic diversity in threatened Neotropical primates remains scarce. This study investigated the molecular occurrence of hemoplasmas in captive-born and free-ranging born Neotropical primates at a conservation center in southeastern Brazil. Blood samples from 70 non-human primates (NHPs) representing six species were screened by qPCR and cPCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Hemoplasma DNA was detected in 17.1% (12/70) of individuals, with positivity in Alouatta guariba, Leontopithecus chrysomelas, Leontopithecus rosalia, and Sapajus robustus; no positive cases were detected in Sapajus xanthosternos or hybrid Sapajus spp. No statistically significant associations were observed between hemoplasma positivity and sex, origin, or hematological abnormalities, except for thrombocytosis, which was statistically associated with hemoplasma-negative animals. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the circulation of at least four distinct hemoplasma lineages, including two putative novel genotypes closely related to Candidatus Mycoplasma haematomacacae. These findings expand the known host range of hemoplasmas in Brazil and provide the first molecular report of hemoplasma DNA in A. guariba, L. rosalia, and S. robustus. The results highlight the importance of molecular surveillance to support health management and conservation strategies for threatened captive NHPs.