University of Basrah PhD Dissertation Investigates Mycoplasma haemofelis Infection in Horses

A PhD dissertation at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, investigated “A Clinical and Diagnostic Study of Mycoplasma haemofelis Infection in Horses in Southern Iraq.”

The dissertation, presented by researcher Ali Jarad Lafta, aimed to diagnose the causative agent of Mycoplasma haemofelis infection and investigate the associated pathological changes. The study represents the first of its kind conducted in Iraq.

The research included an evaluation of the clinical manifestations and vital parameters of infected horses, haematological alterations and coagulation profiles, as well as assessments of acute-phase protein levels, oxygen saturation, bicarbonate concentration, and blood pH. In addition, the study examined gross and histopathological changes and compared microscopic and molecular diagnostic techniques.

The dissertation concluded that infection of horses with haemotrophic mycoplasma (Mycoplasma haemofelis) is a major cause of anaemia accompanied by a wide range of clinical signs.

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College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Basrah