# Molecular Prevalence of Hemotropic Mycoplasmosis and Associated Risk Factors for Co-Infection with Gastrointestinal Nematode in Anemic Meat Goats of Northeast Thailand

## TL;DR

This study found that anemia in meat goats in Northeast Thailand is often caused by hemotropic mycoplasmosis, with co-infection risks from gastrointestinal parasites.

## Contribution

The study reports high prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasmas in anemic goats and identifies age as a key risk factor for infection.

## Key findings

- Hemotropic mycoplasma prevalence at the herd and individual levels was 93.3% and 59.8%, respectively.
- Age ≥ 1 year was a significant risk factor for hemotropic mycoplasma infection.
- Co-infection with gastrointestinal nematodes was associated with age.

## Abstract

In Northeastern Thailand, meat goats are commonly raised in small-scale, free-ranging systems, which increase their exposure to blood-feeding vectors and gastrointestinal parasites. These infections can cause anemia, poor growth, and reduced productivity. Hemotropic mycoplasmosis, caused by Mycoplasma ovis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematobovis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematovis, is an emerging disease in goats, yet little is known about its prevalence in the region. This study investigated the occurrence and risk factors associated with hemotropic mycoplasmosis in meat goats, emphasizing the role of co-infection with gastrointestinal parasites and the potential zoonotic risk. The findings highlight the need for farmer education, targeted treatment, vector control, and integrated herd management to improve goat health and productivity.

Hemotropic mycoplasmosis is an emerging vector-borne infection in goats caused by hemotropic mycoplasmas, which leads to anemia, poor growth, abortion, and reduced productivity. In Northeastern Thailand, smallholder meat goat systems expose animals to blood-feeding vectors and gastrointestinal parasites; however, epidemiological data on these issues are limited. This study examined the prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasmosis, its co-infection with gastrointestinal parasites, and the associated risk factors in anemic goats. PCR and sequence analyses confirmed the presence of Mycoplasma ovis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematobovis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematovis, with herd-level and individual-level prevalences of all hemotropic mycoplasmas (HMs) at 93.3% (14/15; 95% CI: 68.1–99.8%) and 59.8% (52/87; 95% CI: 48.7–70.1%), respectively. Ca. M. haematobovis was identified as the predominant species. Multivariable analysis indicated that age ≥ 1 year is a significant risk factor for HM infection (adjusted OR: 9.88; 95% CI: 1.73–56.48; p = 0.01). Co-infection between HM and gastrointestinal nematodes was found to be associated with age (p < 0.05). Effective management requires targeted selective treatment, post-treatment monitoring of infection status, vector control, and farmer education on zoonotic risks. These findings provide critical insights for designing evidence-based surveillance, control, and prevention strategies to improve goat health and productivity in smallholder tropical systems.