Molecular Diagnosis and Phylogenetic Analysis of Hemotropic Mycoplasmas and Anaplasma spp. in Peripheral Blood of Goats in Northern Iran and Their Hematobiochemical Alterations.

Anaplasma and hemoplasma are hemotropic bacteria that infect erythrocytes of various animal hosts and are responsible for significant veterinary health problems. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. and hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in goats in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran. A total of 149 blood samples were collected from goats of different ages and sexes during the spring season. The samples were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify Anaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma spp. To identify bacterial species, representative amplicons of Mycoplasma (n = 4) and Anaplasma (n = 6) were sequenced. PCR testing revealed a prevalence of 19.4% for Anaplasma spp. and 28.1% for hemotropic Mycoplasma. Statistical analysis of blood parameters indicated significant differences between the Anaplasma-positive and negative groups, with a notable decrease in red blood cell (RBC) count and hematocrit (HCT) levels, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and triglyceride levels showed significant increases. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in hematological and biochemical parameters for the Mycoplasma-positive group. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses confirmed the presence of M. ovis (PQ793282), Anaplasma capra (PV176424), Anaplasma ovis (PV185359), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (PV175399) in Iranian goats. This research represents the first report of M. ovis and A. capra in Iran and highlights the need for enhanced molecular surveillance of Anaplasma and Mycoplasma infections in livestock. Consequently, these pathogens-especially those exhibiting close genetic relationships with human pathogens-represent significant threats to both livestock and human health. This underscores the need for enhanced surveillance, recognition of potential zoonotic risks, vector control strategies, and vaccination measures.